I ve learned to respond to aggression with wisdom and not laminate the same negative feeling back. I let the person know what they are doing wrong, but in a way where our energies don't create more negativity by being in a fight mode. How you react to a problem is very important, and it should not be with the same energy as the aggressor. Stand up for yourself, but ask yourself, how would have Louise reacted, or any spiritual teacher in that situation. Like the saying, what would Jesus do :)
Then mentally send them love and light, because they are just going through their own life lessons. I haven't had a negative encounter in years after I changed my mentality that there are no enemies. If we fight back with anger, we come down to their level. Be the teacher and show the others and your kids examples of wisdom and inner strength. Change the way you talk about your day with your partner and your friends. Are you discussing always problems, or you find something positive to talk about and be thankful for, enthusiastic about the future, etc.