Oh Random Spark of Insanity..

Isn't it funny, how sometimes a random post can pop up in your newsfeed that will inspire your creativity, or spark a memory?  

"The Reason Why My Daughter May Punch Your Son" got my attention from the get-go for its screaming headline but more than that it got me thinking of some very similar advice that I'd grown up with. 

As the eldest daughter of a single Dad I was taught to stand up and be counted, to not be afraid to escalate an issue if I wasn't getting anywhere at the level I was at, and to always ALWAYS trust my gut.  I can still hear my Dad telling me that it would never steer me wrong,  though I can remember a great many times when I'd shushed it and gone another way and it always bit me on the butt.  Live and learn, I suppose.  

Not surprisingly, most of my friends growing up were male, though there were a few gal-pals in there.  I'd been known to give a solid punch when I'd get snuck up on to be tickled.. all part of the training.  

In my 20's I was down visiting my Dad and some of his buddies were over.  I think I was playing with the dog and I overheard one of Dad's friends ask him if he worried about me.  I was only half paying attention but at that moment one of Dad's friend's snuck up behind me and tried to tickle me/scare me (I was never sure which) but he'd caught me off guard and I'd spun around and smacked him across the back of the head.  I'd heard my dad laugh and tell his friend that no, he didn't worry about me. I could take care of myself.  

I sometimes wonder if we've done our kids a horrible disservice in advocating an observe and report attitude in an attempt to "do the right thing" or if perhaps a good punch would have ended it and burnt off some stress too.   So many stories coming home of having been labelled a snitch, or things getting ignored, and having the victim be turned into the problem.  So much frustration and eventually anger and nothing we could really do about it.  Our cries fell on deaf ears too.  

I am thankful, however, that our kids were born at a time when kids weren't all attached to their phones and tech 24/7.  There is little filter to what some will post, and what others deem as appropriate to share.  

I can only wonder what the future holds for our grandkids in this crazy instant world with little patience, and  so much anger.  Thankfully there is still a lot of love; we can only hope that it's enough to carry them through. 

Hang onto your hats!