Kids Have a Right To Go To School & NOT Be Bullied

I've gone on record many times about my thoughts on bullying.  It's no secret how I feel.  But just in case you don't know....I don't just hate bullies, I despise them. 

A few days ago, nine year-old Grayson Bruce of North Carolina was bullied by his classmates because of his My Little Pony backpack.  And by bullied, I mean punching, kicking, pushing and calling this kid names.  School officials eventually got involved and their solution?  Zero punishment for the bullies.  Instead, they told Grayson: "Stop bringing your backpack to school. It's making you a target for bullying."  *slow blinking*

Huh?  What kind of warped, twisted ass logic is that? 

I'll tell you what it is, it's wrong on sooooooo many levels.  Not only is it terribly wrong, it sends a dangerous message to kids who think it's OK to bully people.  It sends an even more damaging message to children who are being bully.  Side Note: It really ticks me off that adults made this decision.  Adults!  Incredibly irresponsible.   

Grayson Bruce and his mother.

Kids have a right to go to school and not be bullied.  As parents, school officials, teachers, aunts, uncles, godparents, friends, etc., we all have a responsibility to protect children from bullies.  We should all do our part to let bullies know that their behavior will not be tolerated or accepted.  And kids need to know there will be harsh repercussions if they choose to participate in any kind of bully behavior.  

See...I could never, ever be on a panel about bullying.  Nah.  No.  Nope.  I have a very unconventional way to deal with bullies.  I won't share it with because you'll judge me.  But, just know this... Bullies are cowards.  They operate on intimidation.  They're weak (never as tough as they seem). They're behavior is rooted in ignorance (any fool can be a bully).  

Once you really understand these things, you see bullies in a totally different light.  Your entire attitude and perspective will shift and...you will act accordingly.  Trust me.  

* steps down off of my soapbox *


FYI....Grayson's mother withdrew him from that school and he is now being homeschooled. He has received an outpouring of support and launched a Facebook page (Support For Grayson) that campaigns against bullying. 

THIS is Girl Power!

Printing this on 5,000 t-shirts:



The wink at the end though....  #priceless

When Keeping It Real Goes Toooootally Wrong - Dad Whips Daughters For...

It's no secret, I'm not a parent.  But, I love kids.  I really do.  And I know, I KNOW the laws of life say it's not cool or appropriate for me to have strong opinions about raising kids, disciplining children or the failure of the American public education system.    *side-eye*   *slow-blinking*   *long-sigh*

Anywho. 

Before I start, take a look at the video below.  It shows a father "whipping" his 12 and 14 year-old daughters for posting a video of themselves "twerking" on Facebook.  Twerking? 

Twerking = Lewd, sexually suggestive dancing; usually done by young females. 

Take a look.... (WARNING: It's pretty graphic.)



Now, listen.  I wholeheartedly believe in disciplining kids.  Children have to be taught right from wrong.  They need structure in their lives and they need parents to guide and support them as they grow.  I get it.  

But this video is disturbing.  On one hand, I understand this father's anger and frustration.  Young girls should not be doing this.  They shouldn't.  It's not right.  It's totally inappropriate and unacceptable behavior.  Can we all agree on that?  Yes? Ok-good.

However, on the other hand, I'm totally not OK with a parent (or anyone for that matter) using a cable wire to whip a kid in such a brutal way.  That too, is totally inappropriate and unacceptable.   The beating left the girls with welts on their legs, open wounds and bruises, and the father was ultimately arrested on child abuse charges.   

All in all, this is a sad situation.  I'm certain this father was doing what he thought was best.  And those girls?  They were being teenagers.  And we all know that teenagers oftentimes do stupid things.  Still no excuse though.   

There are plenty of experts who say spanking kids is OK.  And people's views on punishing children differ based on culture, race and generational influences.  In fact, one of my friends said to me recently, "I was never spanked, but I was slapped upside the head all the time by my dad when I was younger and I turned out fine."  *blank stare*   

Disciplining children with extreme violence just seems so barbaric, ineffective and downright wrong on many, many levels. The result is fear, not respect.  And pain doesn't always = obedience.  But, hey what do I know?  I'm not a parent.  So take what I say with a grain a salt.  Pay me no mind.  I'll just go on about my way and keep on raising my dog....  *sips smoothie* 

Pic of The Day: If This Doesn't Make You Say Awwwwww

If THIS picture doesn't make you say "Awwwwww," then I don't know what else will!  Too friggin' cute! :)

My Pic of The Day!

When Meeting Santa Goes Horribly Wrong....