my son was arrested...
@macdingolinger (10386)
United States
July 23, 2009 11:33am CST
He was only in eight grade. He got into a fight at school and they had a policy that stated they would be arrested for "disturbing the peace" if they fought. I had to pick him up at the police station!
I could have fought it. The kid who started it was older and bigger than him; when he felt threatened he picked up a music stand and hit the kid to protect himself.
It was a new policy that I was unaware of! And there was no teacher in the room.
I let him do his community service and did not fight it although I could have gotten him off... do you think I did the right thing?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@yugasini (12893)
• Secunderabad, India
24 Jul 09
hi macdingolinger,
thanks for the comment,do not worry all problems will be solved...have a nice day
@macdingolinger (10386)
• United States
23 Jul 09
he never had another fight, so I have to say it was worth it....
@patofgold23 (5069)
• Philippines
26 Jul 09
I am a mother myself, I would be in the same dillemma if I were in your shoes. A lot of things would probably cross my mind. If I let him to the community service, he would probably stay out of trouble next time, no matter who started it. But on the other hand, he might not learn to stand up for himself. Or he might feel so unfairly dealt with. Worse, these kids will lick on him again, or make fun of him. That would hurt me too.
If I fight it, I would probably be faced with a lot of consequences... It would cost me time and money too. And who knows the process would take a while. But, I would be so bothered if I let things like that pass knowing it is what I should have done. And I am the type of person who would always stand up for those who are dear to me, no matter if they are wrong or right...how much more my son.
I guess you should have fought it, but if what you did turned out well, then I guess you know what's best for your son. You are a good mom and I applaud you for that.
Take care...and no matter how he gets into trouble, always remind him how much you love him. My son knows I'm always there for him.
@macdingolinger (10386)
• United States
26 Jul 09
It is always good for our kids to know we are there for them no matter what! Thanks for sharing.
@dmrone (746)
• United States
23 Jul 09
Hi! To be honest, i think in a way you did the right thing, but in a way you did not do the right thing. I agree that children should not fight, but it is human nature to protect yourself. My biggest concern is why was there no teacher in the room. All of this could have been avoided had the teacher been present. If your son learned from the mistake, then you did the right thing for him, and that is what matters. There are so many bullies in the schools now, that some children have to fight to keep themselves from being harmed, or worse.
@macdingolinger (10386)
• United States
23 Jul 09
He did learn and never got into another fight. I do feel the teacher was hugely at fault as he should have been present. It was class time!!
@sowegamama (7)
• United States
23 Jul 09
yes, you did the right thing. two kids were fighting. you dont know what was going on in that room because you were not there. did your son do anything to prevent what happened? did he do anything to perhaps instigate the fight? you only "know" that your son did not start it because he says he did not.
@macdingolinger (10386)
• United States
23 Jul 09
That is absolutely correct, however the other kid apologized for starting it. My son was in more trouble because he used a weapon. If he had of just fought it would not have been that serious! But they were both guilty because it takes two to fight!
