Posted on Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 10:10 a.m.
Tough love? Augusta Township boy forced to sit in yard with sign as punishment
By Julie Baker
An Augusta Township fourth-grader is facing an unusual punishment, WJBK reports: His parents are making him sit in his front lawn with a sign that reads "I don't want to behave at school."
The slightly unorthodox form of discipline is a result of Cameron Adkins' misbehavior at Childs Elementary, according to the WJBK report. His parents say he's a problem at school. The most recent incident — for which he's now being punished — was sassing his teacher.
His parents say they hope this public punishment will straighten him out. They've already tried boot camp.
See the video report below.
Michigan Boy Forced to Sit in Yard with Sign for Misbehaving: MyFoxDETROIT.com
Comments
Royalprince
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 4:29 p.m.
Well, this boy doesn't look like he has a black eye or bruises on this face. There are many ways to discipline a child, and maybe this is a good one. It sounds like this boy has been a lot of trouble in school. If boot camp didn't work, then you know the boy is a real pistol.
twokidsmom
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 3:07 p.m.
It's all about 'do you want to fix the problem or do you want to just cover the problem'. If you just stop behaviors that you don't want, then this would work. But I wonder what those humiliating, fearful moments by punishment would teach the kids. Do you want them to stop misbehavior because those are wrong or do you want them to stop just because you don't want to see them. Holding a sign with negative fact about the kid would only give him stronger impression on that negativity about himself, rather than teaching him that he shouldn't sass the teacher. Seeing this post makes me really sad...
swcornell
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 6:37 p.m.
I can't believe Ann Arbor news would call parents abusing their son as newsworthy. If you want kids to act properly show kids doing good as newsworthy. find a local Boy Scout working on an Eagle Project. Show all the people working on the project. This is what you should be presenting as newsworthy.
twokidsmom
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 3:09 p.m.
all behaviors have reasons... we just need to find the reasons for misbehavior... the kids are speaking to us what they have in their mind by misbehavior.. just because they never learned how to express otherwise...
RunsWithScissors
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
The only thing any two parents can agree on is that the third parent is raising his/her child wrong.
girlhunter
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 11:55 a.m.
Good For the parents..My daughter also goes to Lincoln. and had started skipping school.. So I made her wear a sign that said I have to have my mommy walk me to every class,cause I can not be trusted to go on my own! She never skipped class again!
Cash
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 10:38 a.m.
With all of the AnnArbor.com guidelines, if I wanted to post a picture of a young child holding a sign saying something negative about himself, would you publish it? Assuming the parents approved this display, does make you wonder about the parental intent....seems to be an attention craving family. The obvious punishment for his action would be to take him to school and have him apologize to the teacher, the staff and even perhaps the students, and write an essay on how he plans to correct his behavior. Then have him read that essay to his family and his class. Showing him how to handle mistakes in life, apologizing and looking for a solution...learning from his bad behavior instead of enabling even more bad attention. It seems the goal in this punishment is to create a sociopath.....do something bad and get attention, do something bad and get attention...wow look at me!.......never looking at how his bad behavior affected those around him.
thedime
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 5:14 a.m.
The worst part of this is the fact that at times while he was sitting in the front yard, it was raining. By exposing the child to the elements, it is neglect, as well as the mental abuse that they are putting him through. CPS should be involved, just for the fact that you would make your child sit in the rain. As far as personal information, there is a huge back story with the boy that may be the cause of his behavior. Sometimes a child seeks attention, even if it is negative. Some is better than none.
TNB
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 4:04 p.m.
Exactly, child protective services should investigate. Just like the NC dad, who took his punishment of his daughter to the internet; this father was also investigated by the police. What has society come to? I can't control my kid, so I think I'll punish him, and post it on the internet. I guess I'll contact the local press while I'm at it, too. This story is just craziness on so many levels, and I still can't wrap my head around what this father is doing. Is he looking for his 15 minutes of fame, like I said in an earlier post?! Talk-show circuit? Attention seeking people would rather deal in the www, rather than in their own home.
julieswhimsies
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 4:57 a.m.
This boy is a CHILD! How DARE you post his picture and his punishment for everyone in town to see. I really question the judgment of these parents, as well. So now A2.com has turned this child into a bully magnet. Shame on you.
hmsp
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 3:10 a.m.
@ Heather, re: "He is not acting as if he feels humiliated. He does not say that he's embarrassed. He just says that he's incredibly bored..." HeLLO!!! So you think that he is going to bare his soul, rather than girding himself with armor, when faced with this type of abuse? The textbook reaction to abuse like this is, "Oh, Yeah? I'll see you, and I'll raise you!" After all, the thicker your skin, the less hurt that you will feel. C'mon, folks, it ain't the 50s anymore, thank Dog! Wake up, and recognize a kid who is hurting! That's what this is all about.
Cendra Lynn
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 3:06 a.m.
Emotional abuse is abuse. If punishment and humiliation worked, everyone would be good all the time. In fact, we in the mental health field know that punishment never improves behavior. The child gave the clue when he said that sitting with the sign was more boring than school. Clearly he needs an educational environment which reaches his intellectual needs. His "back talk" was simply saying that he would not re-write his story. He also gave the reason, which was that he did not have access to his original, paper version. Public education rewards behavior, not learning. Clearly Cameron needs a better environment as he clearly is bright and ready to learn. I hope his parents learn that they need to provide their son with support and appropriate educational resources instead of choosing behavior over knowledge.
Richard
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 3:48 p.m.
Please don't say "we" in the mental health field because "we" in the mental health field don't all agree with you.
Intrepidisme
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 1:16 a.m.
This is abuse. Emotional abuse. He is just a misunderstood kid and probably doesnt feel heard or loved. . He is acting out for a reason and nobody is listening. The parents think they have issues now? Wait until he gets really mad and feels more unloved. His own parents bullying him to act right? The parents need some therapy and effective parenting classes if they truly want to help their child. I'm shocked
CincoDeMayo
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 12:20 a.m.
Attention seeking....attention getting. That is a lot of what is going on here. Seems to me a good way to reinforce the (unwanted) behavior.
Larry Langly
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 12:02 a.m.
"This is the type of lame parenting that probably led to the kid's behavior. How can you expect a 4th grader to act mature when he has parents that aren't? I'm glad they care but they could obviously use some parenting classes on how to deal with issues. Belittling is not the answer."
obviouscomment
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 10:06 p.m.
So many people are worried about "public humiliation". First of all, we do not know if these are the words of the press or the words of the parents. Second, not all humiliation is bad. While there are extreme forms of inappropriate public humiliation, humiliation in itself is something that should be felt by all. It has to do with remorse for your actions. If a person is not humiliated when they do something wrong, it means they feel no remorse and see nothing wrong with their inappropriate behavior. Humility is a necessary quality for all people to be able to function well in society. So for those of you saying that humiliation is "never" the answer, you are very much in the wrong. As for parents using humiliation as a discipline, as long as it is done appropriately it is very helpful. Really, doesn't all discipline include some kind of humiliation? Parents have to teach their children what humiliation is so that later in life it will come naturally. Of course all parents are humans so none of them are perfect and they may make mistakes. For instance, while I have nothing wrong with this punishment, I do feel it was not wise to allow the media to speak with their children. But apparently some feel this punishment is "child abuse". In no way is this child abuse. The weather was beautiful, he was allowed to eat and use the bathroom, and he was allowed to SIT in the SHADE. He was not put in any danger by sitting outside unsupervised or too close to the road. How is this punishment any different than taking away all other activities as a punishment (video games, TV, playing with friends, etc). Basically he is grounded and since grounding doesn't usually work they are making sure he remembers the entire time WHY he is experiencing such punishment. I'm sorry but the people saying that these parents are abusive are the same people that are unknowingly promoting the behavior problems we see so prevalent among children today.
obviouscomment
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 3:23 p.m.
How is his "well being" being harmed? Yes he is a child and doesn't have the capacity to reason...so he needs to be taught to do so, not just ignored thinking that he'll figure it out one day. People use "positive parenting" to ignore the behavior, thinking that kids are too young to understand. That hurts the child's "well being" because they are not being taught anything other than: "Do what you want because you don't understand." Why is it so bad to teach them to understand?
Intrepidisme
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 1:30 a.m.
So the kids well being doesnt count? He is a kid and doesnt have the capacity to reason. He has only been on this planet 10 years and he's supposed to know how to live in this world? HIs parents should be held accountable and charged with abuse. They need to be ordered into taking positive parenting skills classes and therapy.
e-rok
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 10:03 p.m.
A couple of paragraphs of print and a "news report" with eye witness testimony from children...yes, you now have enough information to judge these people.
u812
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 9:46 p.m.
This kid will have a million dollar scholarship by tomorrow.
jns131
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 9:41 p.m.
I remember another parent got themselves into the news doing almost the same thing. I think that parent got a hand slap if I am not mistaken. Otherwise, kudos to the parents. Stand tough this too shall pass. Sounds like this child needs a sport to cool off his right to misbehave. Hockey anyone? Great sport to let off some steam. Otherwise, military boot camp is the place to be.
jns131
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 8:40 p.m.
He may have loving parents. But if the child is so strong willed that the parents cannot contain him? I strongly suggest a catholic school or a school that is based on tough love. I know a few convents that would love my child sometimes. Tough love or not, the child needs more structure then it seems to be having at the moment.
Intrepidisme
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 1:28 a.m.
Or maybe loving parents?
seldon
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 9:20 p.m.
How is it okay to put this kid in the news for this?
KMHall
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 11:35 p.m.
I agree this is unbelievable.
Heather
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 8:37 p.m.
Several people commented that the child is being humiliated, but look at the video! He is not acting as if he feels humiliated. He does not say that he's embarrassed. He just says that he's incredibly bored, and that is what I see in the picture. Too many adults project their own feelings into the situation when a child needs to be disciplined. That's why parents and teachers feel completely exasperated because there is so little they can do to discipline a child without having the law or public opinion come down on them.
TNB
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 8:51 p.m.
They alerted the news media, Heather. How can we not put our feelings into this story/situation now? Many of us have apparently been blessed with children who, may not be perfect, but have grown up successfully, thank God. This boy's story is spreading all over the internet, and I bet it will be picked up by the national press in the next few days, which is ridiculous. I've heard of parents hanging soiled bed sheets in the front yard when their 4 or 5-year old has an overnight accident...I don't like those type of stories, either.
hmsp
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 8:16 p.m.
I couldn't agree more strongly with Lisa. I had my share of humiliation when I was a kid, when it might have been a better idea to try to find out what made me tick. All fine now, but it was a rough and rocky road. Basic rule of thumb: shoot for maximum gain, minimum pain. I don't know what they've tried so far (how about a good child psychologist?), but the approach they are using right now is one of maximum pain. And Chase! We come close to agreeing on something! I never thought I'd live to see the day!
Richard L Coleman
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 8:09 p.m.
I recall when there was an effective "behavior correction" for this sort of situation, but as this is no longer considered acceptable, parents must come up with more creative solutions, as in this case. Whatever works.
justcurious
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 7:51 p.m.
This is wrong. Public humiliation of this child is wrong. And printing it for all to see is wrong. Even juvenile offenders in serious crimes don't get their names and pictures in the newspaper. This kind of humiliation will certainly backfire on the parents. Shame on everyone who thinks this is alright. It is wrong.
Chase Ingersoll
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 6:45 p.m.
In Illinois, civil damages of $1,000.00 were due to prisoners whose photos were published without their express release. I suspect that even less will be accomplished in this kids classroom when he returns to his classroom, as he is now a media star, who will be copycatted. Yes, I see the rebel look on his face, but I don't think we know whether his rebelliousness is unreasonable or if it was caused by unreasonableness of his parents or teacher. Kid could be a future protester, community leader, or prison guard. Chase Ingersoll
Richard
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 3:44 p.m.
Julie - More likely he will be a celebrity or the other kids in class will let him know when he is out of line. I guess that's bullying in Washtenaw County. This kid obviously holds his own at school and I doubt anyone will mess with him.
julieswhimsies
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 5:02 a.m.
More than likely, he will be teased and bullied.
KINGofSKA
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 5:56 p.m.
The only punishment he's gonna learn is now all the creeps that live out there know his name and where he goes to school. I knew plenty of kids growing up in school that fall under the same category as this kid. They turned out fine.
Chrissa
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 5:40 p.m.
Pull this down. This is ridiculous. The kid's family talking about his family business....Unbelievable.
Chrissa
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 6:44 p.m.
Right. Especially since the dad didn't want to be on camera. So he didn't want to be interviewed, but he let 3 of his kids? Hmmm.
YpsiVeteran
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 6:28 p.m.
I agree this should never be considered "news." But the paper is just interested in generating clicks, so they don't care. What may be appropriate in the context of a small neighborhood takes on a completely different aspect when the internet becomes involved. The paper should not be able to exploit the kid for their purposes without some sort of oversight by someone advocating for the child. I'd be interested to learn if the parents gave permission for his picture to be used.
Chrissa
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 6:19 p.m.
Well, and not to mention, in the video, he seemed kind of smirky, like he was ironically enjoying the attention. I mean, the kid got on the news. You know how many kids are going to think that is cool at school? Smirk city. If anything, I bet he thought this was semi-exciting.
TNB
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 6:08 p.m.
@Chrissa: As a parent, I don't like this young boy being exploited on the internet like this. Then, more information is shared, factual or not, just makes things worse.
Chrissa
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 6:03 p.m.
What is funny, I know who she is. I went to HS with her. But that too, is irrelevant.
TNB
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 5:49 p.m.
I agree! How do we even know *she* is a family member? The dad said he does not want to speak to the press.
Commoncents
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:48 p.m.
Need more parents like this !!!!
Richard
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 10:57 p.m.
@julieswhimsies "Ignorance is contagious, I guess" Well I'm sorry you caught it julieswhimsies. Maybe Lisa will give you free therapy.
julieswhimsies
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 5:05 a.m.
Ignorance is contagious, I guess.
jns131
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 9:43 p.m.
I could not agree more. 2 thumbs up.
TNB
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:47 p.m.
I am glad the parents are acknowledging their son has a problem at school. I think the parent's choice of "public humiliation" by the neighbors traveling by their home is a bit extreme, but their choice. When this humiliation spills over to the local news, and the internet, I think that's where it begins to be over-the-top. This reminds me of the story of the NC dad who shot up his daughter's laptop, and posted it on the internet, in response to her FB posting, complaining about her responsibilities at home. He also initially said he didn't want to speak to the press, as this dad did, but then, ended up on The Today Show. The NC dad also had a visit by the local police, and child protective services.
lisa gottlieb
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:37 p.m.
I've been the school social worker at the Washtenaw County Juevenile Detention Center for over a dozen years, and before that I was a therapist working with abused and neglected children and their families. Needless to say, I've seen lots of youth with a variety of problems. My experience, and that of most thoughtful educators and counselors, is that humiliating a child does not teach them anything but to be more angry and unhappy than they already are. A fourth grader who is exhibiting negative and inappropriate behavior at school often needs support and intervention to address underlying issues, instead of a public humiliation and shaming that has now made its way onto the internet for all to see. An angry and disrespectful fourth grader may be acting out for any number of reasons that would benefit more from the attention of the school social worker or school psychologist, or a trained professional in the community who can help this child and his family figure out how best to help him in a kind and loving way, while at the same time setting firm limits with logical consequences for unacceptable behavior. Most children want to do well, be successful and engage appropriately in school. If they aren't it's often because they need help and don't have the skills or ability to ask for it, or they are in families who don't have the resources or knowledge to get the kind of help that will create long term improvement. What some people are calling "tough love" and a strong stand by the parents, I see instead as a missed opportunity for this child and his family to find some interventions that will have long term help for success for him in school and in the community.
Richard
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 3:40 p.m.
So many social workers in Washtenaw county including Lisa and other who support her are part of the problem. Kids need some degree of positive reinforcement, but social workers in this county tend to take it too far. Kids today have a huge sense of entitlement, no sense of responsibility, and no respect for anyone. Its because they are never held accountable, and never allowed to "lose" or feel negative emotions other than anger when they don't get their way or find they are not really the center of the universe. Parents are usually the first people responsible for this, they the kids meet with emotionally enabling social workers like Lisa who coddle the child's "self-esteem." Their intentions are good, but they help make a small problem worse. A little "tough love", consistency go a long way. Its also not appropriate for parents to fawn over "every" good thing the child does. The child should know its an expectation they do well or try to do well. The child should learn to give him or herself a pat on the back.
Twanders
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 2:13 p.m.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Lisa! As a fellow social worker in Washtenaw County I was so glad to see your post! Keep up the great work I have no doubt you do!
sellers
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 8:15 p.m.
I imagine the punishment needs to be effective. Some people like the attention, and in that case humiliation may actually not be punishment. It sounds like (conjecture) they tried different approaches. If they tried positive, bootcamp, etc, they are looking to find the stick/carrot that works. Some people like carrots, some people need sticks, it's about finding what works. Each person has their own personality, and it's very hard when the parental figure is opposite form the child in personality, because the frame of reference is all whack.
Avery
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 8:10 p.m.
You are absolutely right. This is child abuse! What kind of parents are they to have sent their young child to "boot camp"? This is a kid. He needs to learn how to behave correctly, but how can he learn from parents whose only response to bad behavior is punishment, and more punishment?
dotdash
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 5:08 p.m.
Thank you, Lisa. Great post.
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:53 p.m.
Lisa, do you really think that accepting the unacceptable works for these children? Or that anything will work for the children of parents who ignore notes sent home from school? Your mistake here is that you work with so many kids who have parents who aren't invested in civilization. You see what doesn't work with them. Here we have parents who want to be invested. Maybe this particular stunt isn't going to do much good on its own, but what's important is that they're choosing a non-violent way to tell their child that he's on a bad path.
TNB
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:52 p.m.
I agree with you, Lisa. I wonder if these people are simply looking for their "15 minutes of fame", and a free trip to NY or LA to be on a talk show (The Today Show, or Ellen). That's what my 16-year old son said this morning when we talked about this article, before taking him to school after an appointment.
Commoncents
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:50 p.m.
Ironic that the more education you receive, the less you actually know with respect to punishing kids. Play nice, ask them again nicely to behave - don't spank them it causes emotional damage, bla bla bla. Kids these days don't fear their parents and it's a huge problem. Get out in the real world - this stuff absolutely works.
Belisa
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:33 p.m.
I'm interested in why Cameron behaves well at home but not at school ... what's the difference between home and school? Is it because his parents treat him with compassion or the other extreme ... and school goes by the all-inclusive policy. Perhaps if he had to rewrite his report at home ... his parents would have helped him more and showed him how to backup his work ... whereas the school environment doesn't have the time/resources for this? Or the other extreme of his parents being very strict and spanking him if he gets out of line.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:30 p.m.
A couple folks here are concerned about "humiliation" being a universally inappropriate punishment. I respectfully disagree. If a kid steals something from a store or neighbor and a parent makes him/her return the item with apologies that's pretty humiliating but in my mind appropriate. Many years ago as a snot nosed teenager I got the "brilliant" idea to egg the drivers ed car at my school. Of course I got caught. The Principle's (RIP MR. Mac) solution was to have me wash the car during last hour while 2/3 of the school watched me. You bet I was humiliated....and a better man for it.
julieswhimsies
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 5:11 a.m.
You received appropriate consequences for your bad behavior. Was your photo published on the front page of the newspaper? This is wrong.
julieswhimsies
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 5:08 a.m.
Were you taped and photographed for all the world to see?
Intrepidisme
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 1:25 a.m.
You were not humiliated in the front of the whole state now were you? This is cruel and unusual punishment. It's one thing to hold another accountable for their actions its another to abuse them over it. The parents need to learn positive parenting skills
YpsiVeteran
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 8:07 p.m.
Correction...."resilience"
YpsiVeteran
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 6:23 p.m.
Craig, I couldn't agree with you more. Kids who never experience unpleasant emotions as younger children never learn that emotions, both unpleasant and otherwise, pass. They turn into older teens with no emotional resilence and no coping skills. Parents who shield their kids from every unpleasant emotion in life are a menace. Sitting there with that sign isn't any more humiliating than becoming a 19 yr. old drop-out with no education, no skills and no prospects.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 5:26 p.m.
I'll add that my washing a car I egged was merely "unegging" the car, not any sort of "corrective behavior modification". It was the "humiliation" of washing the car in front of a large chunk of the school that modified my future behavior in a positive way.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:55 p.m.
the "goal" is the same in any case. To influence future behavior in a positive way. The "humiliation" part is both subjective and somewhat abstract. What one person may see as utterly humiliating another may not, and every degree in between.
lisa gottlieb
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:39 p.m.
Respectfully, I don't see that as humilitation as the goal. That was logical consequences for inappropriate behavior. You may have felt humiliated for the mistakes you made and for which you were caught, and you learned something from that, but the intention of the responses made sense for your poor choices.
mkm17
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 3:46 p.m.
I don't think humiliation is an appropriate consequence, ever. I especially don't think it's okay that the boy is on the news.
KMHall
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 11:28 p.m.
You are right. Sassing is undesirable but what might be the consequences in the boy'sfuture, of this publicity? Get this off the news now.
aroo_mama
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 3:44 p.m.
Good for his parents! I help in my child's class at Brick and the way those kids talk to the teacher is absolutely shocking. I never would have thought to speak to an adult like that when I was their age. It's the same 4 or 5 kids every week getting notes sent home, missing recess, etc. I wonder what their repercussions are at home.
julieswhimsies
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 5:13 a.m.
Unless the repercussions are abusive, it is not your business.
Intrepidisme
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 1:22 a.m.
Funny how everyone is blaming the kids when really its the adult who are out of control and do not know how to handle situations like these. Sad....
gofigure
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:22 p.m.
I'm guessing perhaps they're behavior is the same at home. If that's the case it wouldn't surprise me if there were no repercussions at all.
Ron Granger
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 3:42 p.m.
I hope they're saving now for the years he'll spend in therapy as an adult.
Shelli Aldrich-Reed
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 3:20 p.m.
I wonder what the "boot camp" was? Sassing the teacher is not acceptable, but without hearing what he said, this could be excessive! Being disruptive throughout the day is probably worse than a one time "sass". The teacher and the school need to enforce the punnishment if it is warrented. Oh, I would make him sit up straight in that chair, or better yet - stand up!
Thomas Rollins
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:39 p.m.
I think he should sit out on the exit ramp next to the guy pan handling for money. That way he gets a bigger audience and he can see what is possible future is if he doesnt stop his behavior.
glimmertwin
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 3:18 p.m.
At least there are parents that are concerned about their child's conduct at school. That in itself seems to be somewhat rare these days.
Intrepidisme
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 1:20 a.m.
Yes, he should be held accountable for his action however, humiliating him will not make him learn his lessons. He will end up angry and unloved even more.
joe golder
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 5:46 p.m.
Maybe they should look at the home to see what works there!....Not!
Chrissa
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 3:12 p.m.
This is a bit extreme to me. I never agree with humiliation as a means of punishment, especially not with how badly kids are bullied these days. I'd be interested to hear of how he got this way, and what other methods they've used. I'm also a wee bit surprised this is now in the news. Talk about a double-whammy. I sure hope all of his electronics were removed before they got to this point.
Mike
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 8:35 p.m.
Therapy and codling is always the answer these days.......sigh
Chrissa
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 5:45 p.m.
Right, @TNB. This entire thing needs to be pulled. I think the whole post is against their guidelines.
TNB
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 5:44 p.m.
@tdw, no I did not miss that point. My point is, that she does not live IN the home, and has no business passing more information along to the public, especially when it has not been verified by A2.com---their own guidelines, remember? Anyone can say they are *anyone* here in the comments section, right?! The father said he did not want to speak to the press in the video; perhaps he does NOT want more of his personal information spewed out into the internet.
tdw
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 5:38 p.m.
@TNB....Did you miss the part about lori being his aunt ?
Chrissa
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 5:32 p.m.
Lori, what TNB said. If you want to be a good aunt, call his father, tell him to put him in therapy to deal with his sadness and then have this pulled off the internet. It is appalling.
TNB
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 5:24 p.m.
@lori: It appears to me that you are posting personal information about this boy, that was not reported by A2.com, and has not been verified. Clearly, an infringement upon this boy's immediate family, and A2.com guidelines. Speculation on your part, too.
lisam
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 3:08 p.m.
I am so glad the comments are positive. For the parents to acknowledge their child is a problem in school....and not the school causing the problem.....they are to be commended. Too many parents want to blame everyone else for their child's behavior and then there are many want to blame the parents and question how they are raising their children. Who really knows. I am just glad that they are trying to make him accountable for his behavior.
grimmk
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 2:27 a.m.
@ Intrepidisme - How is this "abuse"? Humiliation is good for a kid who is stepping out of line. This is a good lesson for him. This is by no means "abuse". What would you rather his parents do? Take away his xbox?
Intrepidisme
Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 1:18 a.m.
By abusing him?
Kara H
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 3 p.m.
So there's this joke... Two (insert your ethnicity of choice) grandmothers meet in the park. One sits down on a bench and sighs heavily. The second sits down on the bench beside her and sighs heavily as well. Both nod. The first one says, "So. Enough about the children..." Good luck to all involved.
grimmk
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 2:47 p.m.
Major kudos to the parents!
dotdash
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 2:44 p.m.
I hope people will withhold judgment and think with compassion.
YpsiVeteran
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 2:33 p.m.
The look on that kid's face is CLASSIC. He obviously isn't too far gone, however, because he's actually sitting there. A really bad kid would have made a run for it at his earliest opportunity.
lisam
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 3:23 p.m.
After watching the video...he kind of looks like he likes the attention. I just hope he learns. Attitude is HUGE. Kids think at this point in their life, even up through teenagers, it's all about them. Until they learn, they're gonna have some harder knocks as adults, because in the working world, attitude will get you canned...quick...no matter how "good" you are at your job.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 2:32 p.m.
"They've already tried boot camp." I hope something clicks with the young lad. As a parent of 3 (now adult) kids I was blessed and lucky that my "trials and tribulations" were fairly average/normal. I wish the best for all involved.