Raylee was often in trouble at school for fighting. Some days I dreaded for the phone to ring knowing it was yet another call from a teacher. He wasn’t a bad boy. Quite the contrary, he was usually fighting because the other students were picking on a less fortunate child.
One particular time I remember was when a handicapped child was being bullied on the playground. Raylee and another boy got into a tussle and both were pulled into the office. Both got into the same amount of trouble since the rules clearly stated no fighting. Both sets of parents were called. I, upon hearing that Raylee was actually taking up for the other child, told the school they could punish Raylee for violating the “no fighting” rule but that I would not be following through with additional reprimands as I thought it was great that a 4th grade child already had the ability to empathise and defend his position.
The rule at our house if you got into trouble at school, you got into trouble at home. Knowing Raylee was worried about coming home that afternoon, I made sure he had a nice snack waiting on him and talked to him about fighting. I explained that it was great that he took up for his friend and I was proud of him for doing that; however, if there is a problem at school he should go tell the teacher first so he wouldn’t get into trouble.
I think his biggest relief was that he didn’t get into trouble at home. I am glad to say he still takes up for the underdog and while he is high-spirited and loves to tease; he’s always kind to those less fortunate.
From the principal’s point of view I always hated when I had to punish a child when I didn’t blame him for the fight. It didn’t happen often but occasionally there was one, like Raylee, who defended those less fortunate, or who just finally got fed up with the class bully. I’m glad you didn’t punish him at home and that you talked with him about his reasons and when it’s ok to fight and when it’s not. Blessings, marlene