So while we are chugging along with our happy PLAN A; the world around us seems to be falling apart with hatred. It's been a sad week and all of our hearts have been heavy. I wholeheartedly believe that God has PLAN A all mapped out. He has his reasons for the storms that come but still...some days are harder than others. On some days, PLAN A seemingly sucks.
Boston Marathon Bombing. Ricin Letters. Texas Plant Explosion.
And all we can do is pray.
Pray. Pray. And Pray More!
But when the mean is on our own street...we can do something. When bad behavior strikes...we need to strike back. I plead with you, my friends...watch your children. Communicate with them. Watch their friends. Don't sit back and let things slide.
Example: My children came to me and told me that a kid down the street (who is 9 years old) had called another friend (a 10 year old girl) fat and that he told her that she needed to go on the biggest loser. My kids were uncomfortable about it and told me because they knew it was wrong and mean. (Go kiddos!)
Well, I waited for that kid at the bus stop today and had a little chat with him. It went something like this:
"Is it true that you called _______ fat and said she should go on the biggest loser?"
- Yes. But I thought I was just being funny.
"Well it wasn't funny at all. It was mean. And I have no tolerance for mean around here." (Meaning on MY street!)
- Well, she fell on me and...it was just...
"It doesn't matter. There are no excuses. How would you feel if someone made fun of the way you looked or the way you acted? How would that make you feel?
- Angry. And sad.
"That's how you made her feel. And Jack and McKenna didn't like being around it and they told me because they didn't know what to do."
- Oh
"Do you watch tv?"
- Some.
"Watch the news sometime. There are a lot of mean and hateful people in this world. I don't think you really want to be one of them. Do you?"
- No. It was wrong. Can I tell her I'm sorry?
"She doesn't live here. So, what should you do?"
- I can write her a letter.
"That's a good idea. And no more mean. Got it?
- Yes.
An apology letter was delivered to our door within a half hour. And that little girl got the apology she deserved.
Stop the mean while it's young. Don't let it harvest. Don't be afraid that some other parent is gonna call you out for teaching their kid some darn manners. Consciously parent, teach kindness and be a positive example so that things like the Boston bombing and crazy Ricin postal deliveries have a decreased chance of happening in the first place.
Rant complete.
