Michael Jackson's children are having trouble fitting into school because of their full-time bodyguards

The late 'Thriller' singer's eldest kids – Prince Michael, 13, and Paris, 12 - have enrolled in The Buckley School in the San Fernando Valley of California, but have reportedly struggled to make friends as the other pupils find their full time minders "intimidating".

A parent at the school told gossip website PopEater: "The bodyguard situation really is a bit intimidating to other kids. And that makes them hesitant to approach Prince and Paris."

The bodyguards reportedly accompany Paris and Prince to their classes, to their lockers and even watch them during lunch hour.

Michael's mother Katherine – the children's legal guardian - was said to be sceptical over sending the eldest two to school, feeling it would be against the wishes of Michael who had always had them taught at home.

However, the son of one of Katherine's other children, Jermaine Jackson, stepped in and encouraged her to allow Prince and Paris to experience the wider world.

The youngest of Michael's children, eight-year-old Prince Michael II - known as Blanket – is still schooled at home, as he is said to be shy and the family feel he is not ready to move out of the home schooling environment.

One of Michael's friends, Lionel Richie, has previously said he thinks the children now have a better chance of a normal life now they are no longer in the care of the 'Billie Jean' hitmaker.

He said: "I think they have a better chance now. I think they have a better opportunity to live a normal life.

"It's hard to be Michael Jackson's kids because you're out and it's you with Michael Jackson, and he was larger than life."

Prince and Paris' mother is Michael's second wife Debbie Rowe, while Blanket's other parent's identity is unknown.

Michael died in June 2009 of acute Propofol intoxication.