Don't tamper with the Mom...

I am at a loss lately. I have been thinking a lot about what happened to my daughter at school. Rumors of this boy's mother wanting to talk to me about how my daughter scratched his arm. How upset she is about it. (threats given by this boy to my daughter at school. And remarks about how they know where we live) I understand if she is upset....however, I also say, bring it on. Let's talk about how her son enlisted his friends to hold my daughter down so he could have his way. Let's talk about how my daughter was simply walking out with her best friend to the playground when this boy decided to "have some fun". Let's talk about the finger sized bruises on my daughters arms where these friends of his were holding her so tightly (and yes...I took pictures). Let's talk about how this behavior of her son, if gone unpunished, would create a bit more damage if repeated in the future. Let's talk about how other families have talked to this boy's parents because of similar situations. Why is it ok for this boy to be allowed to think that it is ok to poke, push, hit and restrain girls? Anyone, for that matter? This has been an ongoing problem throughout the school year. My daughter had a fractured arm because some boy "accidentally" tripped her last fall. I believed the accident. But after the past few weeks of hearing how these particular boys keep trying to trip, push and chase her, I wonder how much of it prior, was really an accident.

My daughter acted in self defense. Although, I don't condone violence, I do condone her protecting herself. And damn glad she did. Three boys on one girl is not "playing around".

I have always taught my daughter to be respectful. To treat peers and others with courtesy. For Heaven's Sake, my daughter thinks the word Stupid is as foul as any four letter variety. She has been taught that just because someone is different than herself, be it fat - skinny - tall - short - any color or physical challenge, it doesn't make this person less or more than. We all are the same inside...with feelings, thoughts and perceptions. All of which can be broken or hurt. Rachel, has always been well liked in school. By friends and teachers alike. There is no record of difficulties on a social level. Maybe that is why this is bothering me so much.

At what point does it begin? Meaning...the boy that picks on kids at the playground in elementary school, getting away with it, to become the bully in high school and the thug on the street in adulthood? The 8 year old kid stealing a candy bar from the convenience store to the guy that steals your car while you sleep? The three boys restraining a girl on the playground for "fun" to the three guys in the bar restraining a woman for "fun".

And, at what point does it end?

I know what my daughter experienced, may not be a big deal compared to some. Things happen everyday that require discipline and serious conversations. Perhaps, I am making more of it and thinking way too deeply on it. Perhaps, I wouldn't be so affected, if it were not my child in the midst.

Somehow, I don't think so...

Michelle's recent post hit way close to home...she says it so well.