This week was a rough one at school, literally! Three moms and their daughters in a cat fight, six boys and three classroom altercations, and two teachers in a stand off...not to mention my daughter and I in a two hour head to head battle about a bath on Saturday morning.
I have never seen girl hate as I did this week. It was the textbook definition that left me absolutely speechless. I just wanted to knock them over their heads! They tore each other apart with words, emotions, texts, and the ever present pointy finger in the face. Why? A boy...why do we do that to ourselves and why isn't anyone mad at him? Fortunately, I got to leave the mediation early and I am not certain what was worked out, but I'm sure this ugly thing will rear its head again.
Now the three classroom physical altercations indicate that a boiling point emerged. In each event my role included telling them that any type of physical retaliation is intolerable, explained to them how to deal with it in the future, and each one had to write 15 nice things about the other. I think the latter was the worst part of the punishment!
Why we continue to tolerate incooperation with our colleagues boggles my mind. The vast majority of us try to work together, but the actions of a few make it so miserable for the rest. How is that fair? I haven't quite figured that out yet. I just hope that I can last longer than they can. I guess I do have the upper hand...my chances of getting another job are greatly improved over theirs. Why don't I do that then?
Finally, my daughter has decided that she hates baths...why, no one knows. For over two hours she sat on her potty refusing to take a bath. I cleaned her closet, vaccuumed the upstairs, sorted through toys, and ate lunch. Well, my patience was tested and she eventually took the bath. I wanted her to make the decision to get in herself, but I didn't put her in until I got a "yes" from her when I asked. I probably got much more accomplished as I worked through my frustration than I would have if she cooperated. I suppose that is the silver lining!
