My Four Questions

1.How would you use this mothers actions to believe what she did was justified.

This mothers actions were justified because she wanted her son to man up and to stop being sooo scared. She was sick and tired of having to fight his battles, and because of the fact that she needed things done so she had the right to smack her son, and hand him a weapon. I also believe her actions were justified because she taught her son a very valuable lesson. The lesson was: when the going gets tough, people get weapons, preferably sticks.

2. Would you use the same approach Richard's mom used if this was your son's situation?

I wouldn't use the same approach as Richard's mom. I would not hit my son hand him a weapon and tell him not to come home without groceries. Instead I would take time out from my busy schedule and go with him to meet the boys who were messing with him. I would give them a piece of my mind and let them know that this boy is my son, and that i don't play. To me my sons' safety is much more important then groceries and whatever else i may have been doing.

3.How would you show understanding of Richards behavior?

I would show my understanding of Richard's behavior by telling him that there is a first time for everything. I would tell him that I understand the fact he was raised in a Christian home and taught never to fight. But, would also explain to him that sometimes you have to do the wrong thing in order to get what you need. I'm not saying to shoot someone because you need a new pair of sneakers. But do what you have to do in order to make sure you aren't hurting in anyway, and still come home with whatever you went out for.

4.What questions would you ask Richard during a interview?

In the event of interviewing Richard I would ask him questions such as:
*why didn't he hit the guys with the basket he was carrying?
*why did he keep running to his mother?
and
*why didn't he try to go talk to to the boys?
In the end i would like to say I totally respect for the mom and what to tell Richard that I'm happy that he overcame his fear. How do you feel about this story now?