Children usually learn how to act from the adults they watch. Unfortunately, the examples they see may not always be the best.
A couple of stories based on recent police reports in Lawrence were published in Wednesday's Journal-World. The juxtaposition of the articles -- one about an 11-year-old and one about two adults -- may have some lessons to offer to local residents of all ages.
The first story was about a fifth-grader at Cordley School who kicked a classmate while playing tag in an after-school program on Monday. When several employees of the program tried to intervene and prevent the altercation from escalating, several of them also were struck by the 11-year-old. The youngster hit one supervisor with a plastic traffic cone, pushed two other adults and kicked a Cordley teacher on the leg.
It all started with a game of tag. Unsportsmanlike conduct mushroomed into a serious incident. Where would a child learn such behavior?
The story just below the Cordley account might offer some clues.
Two local men, the story reported, were issued notices to appear in court for disorderly conduct and battery. Where did the scuffle take place? At a local youth soccer game where the two men were coaching opposing teams.
The men also were acting as referees for the game. Two players were pursuing a ball, one fell and both tried to gain control of the ball. One of the coaches made the call and the other disagreed -- vehemently. He showed his displeasure by using profanity and then punching the other man in the face.
All of this activity took place in front of two teams of young soccer players. Would it be that surprising for one of those youngsters to repeat the antics of the 11-year-old at Cordley? The behavior of the coaches wouldn't be justified for an 11-year-old, let alone two adults who should be setting an example for a group of children.
Where do young people get the idea that when they get angry or frustrated, it's OK to lose one's temper and strike out physically, even violently, at whoever happens to be around? Could it be from parents or other adults who are in a position to act as their role models?
It's just a reminder for adults to be wary about the example they set. Whether they know it or not, someone is watching.
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