Thursday 6 December 2012

Bringing Down the House



Did you read about the fracas in the House of Commons the other day?  I'm talking about the near brawl, as some news sources called it, stemming from a "heated discussion" between Government House Leader Peter Van Loan and NDP House Leader Nathan Cullen. 

Now, let me say that I understand passion...I want our leaders to be passionate about their convictions. That's cool.  However this seemed to be less about a point of view and more about frustration and squabbling over procedure.  I understand frustration as well, especially at the end of a particularly long day, but there's gotta be a better way to deal with it guys!  

It's really disappointing to see the leaders of our country meltdown to nothing better than a schoolyard tiff complete with naughty words, finger pointing and the main combatants' buddies "holding them back."  Really, I don't think it was anywhere close to a brawl, simply a lot of empty bravado and attempted intimidation that if it had taken place on a playground would be called bullying.  "Boys will boys..."  

Come on!! 

The thing is these are supposed to be men, so grow up and act like it.  Unfortunately some men don't ever progress past the stage of deferring to such antics when things don't go their way. 

It's embarrassing, and really unfortunate that it was caught on tape.  There's so much emphasis on curbing bullying in children and youth but if these "gentlemen" can't even curb their own behaviour, how can we expect mere children to do any better? 

I am continually trying to instill a sense of civility and control in my girls.  I tell them that when they use anger or frustration as an excuse to act-out it only makes matters worse and will probably lead to trouble.  Things don't always go our way, we can't always control that, but we can control our responses in those situations.  A calm answer does turn away wrath...as long as said calmness isn't rooted in smugness. 

The sad thing is that when you let your anger get the better of you, your message is lost in the delivery.  Perhaps Van Loan had a valid point to make, but it doesn't matter because he lost it.  Remember, it's not just what you say that matters...but how you say it too!

We need to be aware that our children are watching and learning from us; regardless of our position we are role models for them.  Be intentional in the example you are setting for your children (and the other children who may be witness to your behaviour). 



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