well said, lp.
but what scares me is people labelling kids as bullies too early rather than identifying the problem in being with their parents.
my son was attacked by a kid in first grade, and everyone was ready to call this kid a bully since he had done it once or twice before to other kids.
the poor kid definitely has developmental problems (was left back into 1st grade to be in my son's class), but from what i've seen of his parents through the scouts, his parents apparently are alcoholics (his mom often showed up at scout events smelling of alcohol, and his dad did too, who is an immigrant polish plumbing and electrical contractor - in my neighborhood, that's 'nuff said. sorry about the stereotyping, but come around my block on recycling day to see what i mean).
my wife tried to talk to this kids' mom to try to help out, but after the kid started violent episodes against other kids as well as mine, everyone pulled back expecting the school to handle it. they tried, but lawyers got involved and nothing was done.
i tried to help as his cub master, but was warned/threatened to stay out of it.
now the poor kid is hanging in the breeze with no support or guidance, and a tag that he's a bully and troublemaker.
whom does that serve?
what about a kid that just has a few bad days because of a broken home? is he or she a "bully"? how many of our children's faults can be blamed on the society at large?
it's up to you to develop a relationship with your kids to know what's going on in their school and social places to be able to teach them how to handle things and to be open and honest with you so you, as an adult, can step in when needed. but with good intention, not with pitchforks and torches.
ok, you may have the soap box back now.
pink shirts are nice, but just a gimmick. dumb people might mistake them for reverse bullying.
