Rule Number Two

I have a rule that I live by in dealing with kids, whether my own or the ones I teach: I never smell anything that is thrust in front of my nose, accompanied by the words, "Mrs. H. (or Mom), smell this!" Now I have another rule to add to the "don't smell things" rule: Don't touch anything thrust in front of you, accompanied by the words, "Mrs. H., touch (push, press, etc.) this!"

Let's find out how I learned this lesson. We must go back to the little street fair held last weekend in a parking lot. This is the fair where I was working in our local union booth. People would stroll by, adults and kids. I was hoping to see some of my students. I saw one student walk by, who called out, "Hi, Mrs. H.!" He wasn't a student of mine from last year; he was in another 6th grade class, the rowdiest class, and I think he was a trouble-maker. The kind who just made bad choices. "Hi," I replied.

Later, he came by again. He was with another boy I didn't recognize. He held out this item that looked like an Ipod to me. "Hey, Mrs. H.!" he said. "Push this!" And he indicated that I should push the silver button on the Ipod.

"What's it going to do, shock me?" I laughingly asked. He hesitated, and said, "Just push it." Now, it did look like an Ipod. So I thought I was being foolish about it. I expected some loud music or something. But guess what? It shocked me...Sent a jolt into my thumb.

He laughed and laughed. "You're the first person who actually pushed it!" he exclaimed.

I stared at him. "Get. Away. From Me. Now." I said through gritted teeth. He quickly left, and I didn't see him the rest of the day.

The little shit (oh, did I just say that?).