Our school had a new play structure, and I was excited to run carelessly across its magical suspension bridge. With its ropes and wood slats, I thought it was reminiscent of an ancient castle. After running back and forth a few times and feeling so much joy, a foot stretched out in front of me, and before I could do anything about it, I was falling towards the dirt several feet below. Reflexively, I stretched my arms out and landed on my hands first and then my knees.
I think there is something that happens to children at that age. My experiences with bullying seemed to start then and get worse into middle school. At some point in their growth kids simultaneously find that they care what other people think of them, and they find that it feels good to think of yourself as better than someone else and to let them know that. When this started I expected adults to understand and to have a problem with it but thats not what happened. There were always adults in the background, sometimes teachers, who approved of the behavior. In some respects its not a characteristic that leaves people, it just becomes more mature and subtle.
That made me smile and laugh a little, I had to read it to Joseph. It's true though. Mom yelled at me once after she found out I had punched one of those kids down, she asked me if that made me feel like I was "a bigger person" or some rot. I simply told her that no one gets to hurt my little sister. Didn't matter to me who they were. Still feel that way. No one hurts my little sister.
I think there is something that happens to children at that age. My experiences with bullying seemed to start then and get worse into middle school. At some point in their growth kids simultaneously find that they care what other people think of them, and they find that it feels good to think of yourself as better than someone else and to let them know that. When this started I expected adults to understand and to have a problem with it but thats not what happened. There were always adults in the background, sometimes teachers, who approved of the behavior. In some respects its not a characteristic that leaves people, it just becomes more mature and subtle.
Iām so sad over many things that happened to you growing up; but i have to say your a great speaker. Christian was a blessing for you
That made me smile and laugh a little, I had to read it to Joseph. It's true though. Mom yelled at me once after she found out I had punched one of those kids down, she asked me if that made me feel like I was "a bigger person" or some rot. I simply told her that no one gets to hurt my little sister. Didn't matter to me who they were. Still feel that way. No one hurts my little sister.