Many years ago, when I was but a child [yes, hard to imagine] things within communities were different. The old saying about it takes a village to raise a child was in full force. In those days when you committed a transgression and it was seen by any member of the area you got called for it by said person whether or not they were in any way related to you. You might have never seen this individual before and invariably somewhere in the dressing down you got was the phrase 'Just wait until your mother hears about this!'  And hear she would  * sigh * My mother heard not a small number.

These days this isn't in any force at all and I think, maybe, we suffer for it. At least that's the premise I refer to when I find myself being the vocal party addressing some errant child. Yes, I do that. I am the meddling old woman who has something to say and I say it. Not all the time but often enough that a few kids in town and surrounds stop whatever they are doing when they see me coming. They don't usually run away but they get the all suffering look and wait for what is inevitable. Sometimes, just to mix things up, I compliment them. The humor this provokes [mostly mine] is a nice break. 

Today I got tired of being ignored by a six year old girl who happens to be Matt's girlfriend's daughter. I pointed out to her that she was being rude. Then I mentioned that responding when she was spoken to was the respectful and polite thing to do. Her mother was standing there so I didn't have to throw in 'the threat'. Mom heard it from the horse's mouth...and didn't immediately interfere. Finally the child looked at me and spoke. Wow! Anyway that got dealt with and I don't think any major feelings were injured in the process.

But the reason I even relate this incident is to ask whether or not you think we, as a society should say anything to children to help straighten their paths or if you feel that should only be the realm visited by the parents.