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Health & Fitness

Of Temper Tantrums and the Body Politic

My youngest son, Finn, who is about to enter first grade, is holding on to the inalienable right of little kids to throw tantrums. Finn is big and strong and his tantrums are becoming epic. Last night, in fact, he picked up an outdoor chair in our yard and threw it. He also resorts to name-calling, his favorite epithet is "You idiot!"
I should point out that 97% of the time, Finn, who is actually very cute, is well-behaved, and friendly, and delightful. When he gets tired And the fatigue is compounded by someone telling him "no", tantrums ensue. The tantrum is often followed by a tearful and sorrowful little boy looking to cuddle. 
We are working through Finn's tantrums with patience and some tough love. We also have a very open line of communication with Finn, in which we tell him repeatedl what is expected of him and ask him to repeat it back to us. If he doesn't do the right thing, some of his privileges are taken away from him. 
When an elected official calls another elected official names and then has a tantrum, what should the response be?  When elected officials who choose not to respond to constituents lament openly about 'channels of communication', is it because constituents need a microphone before they are heard?  When an elected official doesn't want to read about local happenings on "social media", then where would she like to read it?
I sent an unfortunately worded email message to a private list of parents inviting them to a meeting. A recipient apparently took it upon herself to forward the message to Dr. Nicholson and the intent of the message was misconstrued by the Superintendent and the School Committee.  I have no plans to pipe down and am encouraged that more parents are speaking up. 

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