My kid got into a fight defending a girl in kindergarten today....?

Question

My valiant 6 year old, tackled and punched a boy, who threw a rock at a GIRL in his class.

Problem. . the boy my son clobbered is the principals son.

So I was called into the office to deal with it, but when I heard the details I gave my boy a hi five and said that it was okay because he defended someone who couldn't fight back. .

The principal was not pleased.

He asked what I was going to do, and I said that although I don't condone violence I was proud of my son's heroic action, and if his son wasn't such a bully that there would have been no altercation to begin with.

So he suspended my son for a day for fighting, and gave his own kid detention for throwing the rock.

So I am taking the day off to play miniature golf with my superhero son tomorrow. (Who knows next time to tell a teacher before he jumps in)

I don't think I was wrong in defending my son, but what do you think?

Tell Matticus he WANTS to KNOW.

Answer 1

I think you did good Matticus !
The heck with the principal and his son !

Your boy is okay in my books ! High 5 him
again for me for a job well done. Tell him he's
my newest hero !

Fran

Answer 2

I taught Kindergarten for a few years, so I can picture this perfectly. Here is what I think:

They both should have gotten the same punishment for violence, as not to continue any fight between the two.

But, if I were your son's teacher, I wouldn't have thought a bad thing about your son. He obviously has seen a man live a life of defending and caring for a woman, whether that's you or grandpa, whatever.

As the adult in your son's life, don't make a huge point to go against what the principal said. (even though I totally agree with you) That's not something to model to a child. (not saying you are doing that, just thinking of some situations from the past.) I do think you worded your disagreement with the "boss" very well.

***another thing I learned while teaching K. Principals can either be there for the children, or there for the powertrip. I saw the latter. Don't feed his hunger for power. Just move on with your chest held high.

Answer 3

I take my hat off to both you and your son, throwing a rock is far more dangerous than giving someone a pelting!
Protecting someone is heroic!
I was once in this situation when my son floored a boy coz he called my son a F*%@ing C*"@T, after he got hurt in a rugby match and my son went to see if he was okay!
Like yourself, I do not condone violence, but I dislike children using bad language. My son, like yours was punished whilst the other boy got away Scott free coz he suffered a bleeding nose!
A boy of -they were, at the time-10 yrs, who uses such language, can surly cope with a bleeding nose!

I pointed out to the head teacher, that although she showed fighting would not be tolerated at the school, foul language would be! I also asked her what her reaction would be if I called her those same names!
Never seen her lost for words!
1-0 to me!

Answer 4

Hey Matticus...

If everything went down just as you related it... Then you did the absolutely best thing for every one involved. Your son deserved the support. The principles son needed to see you support your son. The girl needed to know that someone will help if there is trouble. Unfortunately the principle handed out the punishment backwards ! His son needs the one day suspension for a physical attack on another student. Your son (may)? need detention for fighting. I guess he should have gotten the playground monitor (teacher), instead of throwing a punch.
Bottom line... one kid attacked wrongly; another got involved and stopped it. Tell your son thanks for me.
Butch

Answer 5

No, you were not wrong...as parents we are the true teachers of right and wrong for our children.... If you believe that your son was feigning to defend the innocent, then well no he was not wrong. I would however, hold off on the congratulatory "high 5" until out of the principals office. They do not like to be contradicted in their own space.... meaning you may have caused your son future hardship, as now the principal will be "watching" his actions more closely....

Answer 6

The high five might have been a bit much!

I'm glad you've told him to tell a teacher next time (but knowing what the education department is like, nothing would have been done about it).

I would have concentrated more on the fact that he was trying to do the right thing but that you can't solve violence with violence.

I hate to disagree with Matticus, but I know you'll appreciate my honesty.

Answer 7

No. That's GREAT that you stood up for your son! That principal didn't seem very fair, though. His son threw the rock and only got detention, but your son defended a classmate and got suspended. Now does that make sense?

Answer 8

i think that the principal's son is getting preferential treatment. i would bring it up before the school board and let them know you don't feel the principal can do his job the way that he should. that he lets his feelings get involved in his decision making, especially when his own child is involved.
having said that, i don't approve of fighting, except as a last resort. i've taught my son's to defend themselves and others unable to defend themselves. but i've also taught them fighting(physically), is only acceptable if talking(or yelling), doesn't work first. i do commend your son for his sticking up for another child, so i think he deserves some kind of reward, as well as a discussion about not fighting unless absolutely necessary.

Answer 9

I think you were right to defend your son- he was protecting someone else from a bully..... that is different than just going around picking fights...

And by the way, the principal should have removed himself from the situation when his own child was involved.... I'd talk to the superintendent about that one....

Answer 10

good for you!!! that rock could have hurt the little girl more than your son hitting that boy. give your son a high five for me for sticking up for a young lady! i think it is actually cute that your son defended her!!! lol but i do think if your son was suspended so should the other boy regardless he is the principals son. have fun tomorrow!!!