The Bully's Best Friend

Give 'n Go ^ | March 3, 2007 | J. Martini

[joeystoy]

Several years ago my wife and I attended the back-to-school festivities at my son's elementary school. This is the yearly exercise where hapless parents learn about all the new and wondrous miracle strategies that the public education system has cooked up to benefit "the children."

The evening was winding down, finally, when we bumped into the principal in the hallway. Although I tried my best to avert my eyes and hurry toward the exit, he corralled us and asked if we had any questions.

"Well," I said, "there is one thing I'd like to discuss. My son continues to be bullied by the same gang of four or five delinquents. We've told his teachers, we've informed your assistant, but it has continued now for almost a year."

"You do know that we have a full-time psychological social worker on staff," he replied.

The look in my eyes obviously betrayed a combination of puzzlement and contempt, but this genius continued anyway.

"Matt can schedule an appointment to come and talk. It will help him resolve his feelings."

"Matt has resolved his feelings," I informed him. "He hates their guts and wants them to be carried off by flying monkeys."

I went home that evening, my faith in the public education establishment reaffirmed, and had a long conversation with my son. It was reminiscent of conversations I had with my father when he told me it was always best to avoid a fight, but "when push comes to shove," he insisted, "you have to defend yourself."

[joeystoy]

Sorry... it's:

http://give-n-go.blogspot.com

I don't know how to edit after I've posted.

[lowbridge]

bump

[TheSpottedOwl]

My youngest one was having a soccer ball bounced off her head, everyday at recess. A teacher was on duty, but never did a thing. Lil' bit's big brother taught her how to fight dirty, and throw a punch like a boy. Mind you it was a boy doing this to her. My son told her to keep hitting him until he hit the ground, and to do it in front of his friends. Mission accomplished. No one bothered her after that :-D Oh yeah, the same teacher on yard duty was right there when my little one retaliated.

[diamond6]

Good job!!!

[Shimmer128]

Bottle feeding 10 year olds?? (it's happening in England)

[gotribe]

I concur. I've taught my young son it's okay to defend himself with his fists against bullies and that no matter what happens, I'll defend him against teachers and principals. I've also taught him to defend others against bullies, which he hasn't needed to do yet. Good kids need to stick together.