So what about this? Re: Teens

GinandTonic

My half-brother started high school this year.  I'll fully acknowledge that he's fodder to be picked on - small, red head, glasses (although I think he has contacts now), braces (which are off now), smart.

 Long story short, he tripped a kid who was bullying him (kid was walkign back to his desk and brother stuck his foot out).  Intentionally.  Long-term effect was that the bullying stopped and other kids looked at him differently because he stood up to the kid - he wasn't the only victim.

 He got into some sort of trouble at the school, which my stepmom fully supported, but she also told him that she was glad he stuck for himself and that what he did wasn't necessarily all bad.  If he got in any trouble at home, it was minor.

That's simplifying it, but do you agree with what she did?

DaiLyght

Yes

CleoKitty

Yes, I'd agree with your stepmother on this one.

MotherBucker

Yes

EliseB0323

Yep, I would have done the same thing his mom did. He didn't follow the rules at school, so he deserved to be punished, but considering the big picture, I don't think his actions are a big deal. I think part of growing up is learning to pick and fight your own battles and dealing with the consequences of your decisions.

xbrooklyngrl

Hell yeah, good for him!

eclaires

Yes, I do.

I'll encourage my kids to stand up for themselves.  If they get in trouble for doing so, then fine, the school's punishment is what it is.  I wouldn't support my child going way overboard or something, but for the most part, I want them to stand up for themselves, and if they suffer consequences, I understand.  But I wouldn't add punishment at home if I felt they were justified in doing so.

happ17

Yes, I'm with your SM on this one.

mlm1128

Yes.  And I don't think that his physical appearance should automatically make him fodder for being picked on.  I think the other kids parents probably suck at teaching him not to do stupid stuff.

pincushions

Yes, I'd agree with your stepmother on this one.

JOEBunny

Yes.  High School is a training ground for the real world.  In the real world you sometimes have to pay a price for doing the right thing.  I am glad your brother stood up to the jerk.  I, for one, am proud of him.

MelandJeff

Absolutely I agree with your SM

hcmamm1

Yes, i agree with her.

shouldbworkin

That is such a tough one.  I'm not sure if I would sanction that behavior, but I think I would punish it very lightly.  I'd probably start looking into karate or some other type of class like that for my DC too.  Something to give them some self esteem, but learn how to use it properly too. 

Marce921

Absolutely.