Bullies, behaviour and ineffectual adults . . .

Bullies . . .

It seems as though they're everywhere at the minute. In recent days, The B has been pushed over in the school playground (he still has the bruises to prove it) and The G has been assaulted during a trip to soft play. Earlier this afternoon, an out-of-control four-year-old managed to disrupt an entire swimming class. Like I said, it seems as though they're everywhere.

I can spot them from a mile off, although in truth it isn't difficult. No radar is required and, in most cases, the cause seems quite obvious . . .

Behind most of the junior bullies that I encounter there is an ineffectual adult. Supervision? Forget about it. Discipline? No chance. Example? Don't make me laugh.

It is often left to others to attempt to bring these miniature menaces into line. The teacher, in The B's case. In The G's, me (and defending her is something I do to a rather high standard).

To his credit, the swimming instructor took no prisoners this afternoon, standing up to the culprit during the lesson and then seeking out the 'responsible' parent (oblivious, of course) after it.

The B&G quite often do things that I don't like - all children do, of course - and, between us, we have our moments. They'll never be bullies, though. I'll see to that . . .