Just Ask Georgia: 4/3/2024

Georgia, I have a question,

Every year, some family and friends throw a big Easter bash: lots of friends attend, a bounce house, a massive Easter egg hunt, and tons of food - the works. We’ve known these friends for decades; they are part of our core group of best friends. In other words, we’re like family. Our friends correct our kids and vice versa, within reason, of course.

Anyway, during the party, my teenage stepdaughter came to me and said that my friend's pre-teen (7th grade) son was "roasting" my toddler daughter (16 months old)—general name-calling and making fun of her, causing her to cry. I hung around the corner to hear what was being said. This isn’t the first time - he has a history of making fun of others when he thinks adults aren't around, including my stepson (9) and my autistic son (14).

After confirming what was happening, I entered the room and caught him mid-sentence. I interrupted him and said that he needed to "knock off talking about my daughter, a literal baby, or I'd join the roasting, and I'd make sure it hurt" (or something to that effect). The kid stopped but also started saying I was being mean to him to everyone within earshot.

My wife thinks I may have taken it too far and should have just told his parents. I say the kid is in middle school, making fun of babies and autistic kids, and needs to learn what his behavior feels like. Should I have just let it go?

That’s Enough

Dear Enough,

While I would never actually start throwing insults at an eighth grader, just threatening him with a taste of his own medicine isn’t mean or inappropriate. However, my grandmama would disagree and say you should have swatted him a good one.

His parents should teach him better behavior; it’s not for your kids to pay for bad manners by letting someone belittle them, no matter their age. What better time to teach someone than while they are young and can still learn new tricks? Also, make sure you talk to his parents.

With love, Georgia

Have a question for Georgia? Email her at whledger@gmail.com.

Please note: this column is just for fun. No person, animal, or property has ever been harmed or in danger. Satire is “the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.”