Good Morning, It is a dreary Monday morning out here on the Front Porch. I just returned from the gym. I’m all set up on my writing perch. I have the cup of coffee, my laptop and my thoughts.

I heard an interesting scenario this morning, that I would like to share with you. It is a scenario that could have happened 30 years ago , 20 years ago and even today. As a parent , I would intially handle it based on my perspective of my childhood, but as I process it with the rules today, there is a moral correctness that has overcome my years of societal programming. Which is the best way to view the situation? A group of young children 4th graders to be exact, take the bus to school everyday , and each day the same kids sit in the back 2 rows of the bus. Why this is intruiging , I really can’t comprehend, but it is the seat of comfort that they like. One child in particular does not share his perch. He has stated that he will not move to allow others to take their turn. This has caused many mixed feelings, not only in the group, but it has also affected the families and the school administrators.

Recently, new legislation has passed to curtail bullying. Bullying is nothing new , it has been prevelant through the history of mankind. I hated being bullied as a kid. It has shaped my views throughout my life. I strive to protect my kids from being bullied. I don’t feel one should oppose their will on another. We all have the god given right to live our lives free of oppression and bullying is a form of oppression.

Enough digression, the child who won’t share his perch is being directed to not move from his seat by his parents. They think from their prism that they are teaching him /her to be strong and stand up for their rights.

Unfortunately, what I see from my perspective is a lesson in entitlement and inflexibility. If 5 kids are willing to share and one isn’t, I would have to say that the majority perspective is correct.

Sharing teaches sacrifice, for immediate gratification,and instills thoughts of empathy towards others as well as  providing a foundation to get along with others.

There are two key elements I learned in my life. One must go along to get along, and one must determine needs from wants.

I would love to see what you think.

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