Son, as soon as someone puts their hands on you...

Re:Son, as soon as someone puts their hands on you... by prawn on Thursday November 11, 2010 @05:45PM (#1895653)

I especially like this:

"THIS IS OK. Your well-being is more important than their rules. If you get suspended for three days, then I'll take three days off work and we'll keep up with your studies. I will be on your side."

That said, I would outline this with a child subject to ongoing torment. I would not recommend brawling any time someone starts just anything as a possible once-off.

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Re:Son, as soon as someone puts their hands on you... by Legion on Thursday November 11, 2010 @06:11PM (#1895749)

That once-off might really demand physical defense, though. It doesn't always come as a gradual build-up.

But I definitely agree that counseling proper discretion is critical. I think most "good kids" understand where the lines are. The metaphorical kid in my head is reluctant to use force even with the "green light". For a kid who might be more inclined to "brawl", a different tact may well be warranted.

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Re:Son, as soon as someone puts their hands on you... by prawn on Thursday November 11, 2010 @07:58PM (#1896076)

I guess I'm thinking that if you react physically each time, you'll get a reputation. If you react to on-going torment after 2-5 incidents, you may do enough to dispel the physical harassment without getting a reputation as a thug.

I was bullied in the early years of high school (age 13-14 mostly). I didn't really think of it at the time, but the worst of it probably stopped around about the same time that I grabbed a guy around the neck and dragged him to the ground.

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