Bullying

So even with all the media about bullying, you never think "that could happen to my kid(s)" until it does. Bullying is a very real thing, and there are some out there that say "oh the bullied kid is just being oversensitive" or "weak" or "should learn to stand up for themselves" but that is not the case. Any child can be bullied, and going to an adult is not always an option because of peer pressure. What child wants to be labeled a "tattler" or worse?

In today's digital world, I think schools should offer an email address for students to send in reports of kids that are starting to harass them. This of course does not offer an immediate solution, but if it is a choice between it being reported later or not at all... Easy decision. If email is not available, maybe a box in the office for them to drop a note into, even if it is sent anonymously it is still a start and the school can have the accused child watched a little more to see if they are causing issues.

Really though, the process needs to start at home. Parents need to explain to their kids that if a child is being mean to them in any way, they should say something. Bullying does not always start hard. Sometimes they will test the water, see which kids they can get away with harassing, but if multiple students say "so-and-so has been saying negative things to me" or "has been taking things from me" or whatever they are doing, then the school will see this child is a problem and will deal with them. Or at least you hope they will.

Why am I going on about this you might ask? Well, it hit home. One of my children was bullied yesterday by another student that has been mean in the past. It got out of hand, but thankfully nobody was hurt. The school was notified and immediate action was taken. I was called by the vice-principal, the gym teacher (the incident happened in during physical education) as well as the athletic director. They let me know it was being dealt with, asked if I had questions or concerns and told me I can call them at any time. This is they way it should be! However, not all schools are this diligent so it is your responsibility as a parent to ensure the safety of your child. If a report is made about a bully and nothing is done, make calls. Your child's safety and well being is what is important.

I'm going to step off my soap box now, but I hope everyone that has read this takes something away from it.

Updates

Still waiting for Midnight Town to return from the editors, but hopefully by the end of the month it will be available!

Working on the fourth chapter of Witch Way Now? and it is coming together beautifully! Having a lot of fun with this one. :)

It's been a couple weeks since the Evil Man freebie so if you've had a chance to read it, mind leaving a review? They are always Greatly appreciated!

Spent a few hours in the hospital Saturday with heat exhaustion after my son's little league game. I guess even keeping hydrated, eating and hiding under a UV protected pop-up just isn't enough when it's 90*F out and not a cloud int he sky. I am doing a lot better now but the first couple days afterwards I was wiped out. Even though I feel better now, I know to avoid the heat from this point on. Heck even George was suffering from the heat, as you can see by the pic.

Started an awesome new class through Coursera, Introduction to Forensic Science. It started Monday, but the first week's lectures are only about an hour and a half long total and the quiz is a single question, so you have time to join. It has been quite interesting so far and I am looking forward to seeing what else we learn.

In the garden, the ground covers are going insane as you can see from all the pics. Had a frost warning for last night but everything looks to have survived okay. Yes, you read that correctly, a frost warning five days after 90* weather. LOL This is going to be a crazy year weather wise by the looks!

Have a wonderful day!

Shrooms

So, yet again there are mushrooms growing in my garden box. If they were not so cute i might be upset but all I can imagine are tiny little faeries using them as seats. :)

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

It is the fifth of May and the sun is out, my flowers are blooming and it is a wonderful day to be outside. Dinner was a combination of Spanish and Mexican to celebrate the day. Now off to do some more research and perhaps knit. 

They DO Still Exist!

So I saw one of these on the way home the other day, anyone else remember when it was $.10 to make a call on one of these, and it was the only way to call someone when you were out and about?

On another note, my son had his first game of the season on Saturday and guess who threw the first pitch?