I've Had It Up to Here!!!

Many many moons ago, there was this boy Di in Joseph's class and he's really a pain.

He bullied Joseph and other classmates. Bit Joseph so many times - 6-7 at the last count. We complained to the school, to his parents, to the church, etc. But that boy still has that streak of violence. Bit Joseph on his hand and his ear - a Mike Tyson wannabe.

We extended grace and mercy. Did not pursue the previous times but Sunday was the last straw.

That boy punched Joseph in his stomach!!! And Joseph was not the only boy or child who received this treatment. And the mother of that child - was only apologetic! Guess what is the reason?? Because he was jealous that another kid Dvn was playing with Joseph and didn't play with Di. And so, that boy just punched Joseph! What kind of reason is that!!??!! There is something wrong with that kid! He should be seeing a child psychologist for assessment to see what is wrong. If nothing is wrong, then perhaps he simply has no discipline at home or his parents did not discipline him appropriately. I'm not saying that we're the best parents but surely, the parenting framework used by the parents is seriously flawed - not kept up with times perhaps (cause they'll say that their older son who is a teen is doing fine).

So, I've really had it up to here... way past my head already... I've extended grace upon grace, time after time. But I've had it!

So, yesterday, I'm forced to teach Joseph how to self-defend himself. If that boy ever lay his hands on Joseph again or push him or bully him or anything at all, I gave Joseph permission to retaliate. And I told the teachers at his childcare, that if that boy received some retaliation from Joseph, please do not come and complain to me because it was in self defense.

I only have that much patience and it has been depleted.

My child will not be bullied and he will not be a punching bag. If provoked, he will retaliate.

And I will take this up to higher authorities. Oh yes I will... enough of Mr Christian Nice Guy whom everyone recognises because you are a "public figure" in church... I am a family man whose heart aches when my kids are being bullied, who have shown much restraint on all accounts. But no more. Period.