Sep 2009
The Agent
07/09/09 20:34
When our children were 11ish, we got a paper route. They asked for it but it became a family effort. We would take them out in the car as the paper had to be delivered before 7 and for most of the autumn, winter and early spring it was still dark before that hour. Either their mom or I would roll along the street in our van as they ran the papers to the door. In some stretches they would ride on the running boards until the next drop point.
Why on earth would you do that you are probably asking? We wanted them to start to earn money and develop a sense of responsibility. When you want to instill that in someone you often have to model it for him or her to truly grasp the concept.
All seemed to be going well until one Saturday afternoon. I was working in my office when I heard the doorbell that the kids answered. I could overhear the conversation from where I was working. The newsagent for this area of the city was reprimanding them because of complaints of late deliveries from one lady. I couldn’t believe my ears. I could see the kids looking very forlorn and intimidated as I came down the hall. I asked the man what this was all about, even though I knew. As he explained I became a little incensed.
I told him that either their mother or I drove them every morning and that we finished the route before 7 every day. I then asked him why he didn’t call us to verify whether we had been late before he went after the kids. I asked if any of the other people on the route had complained. Since none had, I wanted to know why he would take the word of one person and rebuke faithful and conscientious workers.
At this point he was very apologetic, got into his car and drove away. I realised only then that the conversation that had started in the hallway and ended with him backed down the driveway and at his car. I looked around to find I was standing at the end of the garage, which was attached to the front of the house. I guess I might have intimidated him a bit.
My children were at the front door waiting for me to come back in the house. They were shocked by my reaction but happy that I had defended them.
Did I learn anything from this? I sure did. First, when it comes to my children, look out. Most parents are like mama bears when it comes to their children. You can say what you like about them but don’t go near my kids. The second thing I realised is that everyone needs a champion, someone who will come to their defence when they are defenceless. A bully was browbeating my children as I saw it. No one was going to get away with that. But how many people are in that place with no one to be his or her advocate or hero? There are so many injustices that go unchecked because no one speaks up.
My children appreciated my support. Sometimes my wife wishes I wouldn’t always feel it’s my duty to be the one who questions the status quo. But if I don’t, who will?
Why on earth would you do that you are probably asking? We wanted them to start to earn money and develop a sense of responsibility. When you want to instill that in someone you often have to model it for him or her to truly grasp the concept.
All seemed to be going well until one Saturday afternoon. I was working in my office when I heard the doorbell that the kids answered. I could overhear the conversation from where I was working. The newsagent for this area of the city was reprimanding them because of complaints of late deliveries from one lady. I couldn’t believe my ears. I could see the kids looking very forlorn and intimidated as I came down the hall. I asked the man what this was all about, even though I knew. As he explained I became a little incensed.
I told him that either their mother or I drove them every morning and that we finished the route before 7 every day. I then asked him why he didn’t call us to verify whether we had been late before he went after the kids. I asked if any of the other people on the route had complained. Since none had, I wanted to know why he would take the word of one person and rebuke faithful and conscientious workers.
At this point he was very apologetic, got into his car and drove away. I realised only then that the conversation that had started in the hallway and ended with him backed down the driveway and at his car. I looked around to find I was standing at the end of the garage, which was attached to the front of the house. I guess I might have intimidated him a bit.
My children were at the front door waiting for me to come back in the house. They were shocked by my reaction but happy that I had defended them.
Did I learn anything from this? I sure did. First, when it comes to my children, look out. Most parents are like mama bears when it comes to their children. You can say what you like about them but don’t go near my kids. The second thing I realised is that everyone needs a champion, someone who will come to their defence when they are defenceless. A bully was browbeating my children as I saw it. No one was going to get away with that. But how many people are in that place with no one to be his or her advocate or hero? There are so many injustices that go unchecked because no one speaks up.
My children appreciated my support. Sometimes my wife wishes I wouldn’t always feel it’s my duty to be the one who questions the status quo. But if I don’t, who will?
