sixwordstories | (no subject)

It's hard to say... I think it depends on the circumstances. I'm not a father though, so I'm not sure how much my opinion matters.

Of course it matters. I just... I can't understand how someone could do something like to a child. I know I couldn't.

I couldn't hit a kid either. But there are alot worse things to do to a person, much as I loathe to say.

*frowns* What could possibly be worse?

Making a child think they're insignificant; unloved.

I- I'd imagine that the two go hand in hand really?

They can, yes.

*shakes head, appalled* Oh, I don't know what I'd do if I knew someone so cruel.

I.. don't either, really.

*tilts head, frowning* Colonel?

*waves her off* What's got you thinking about this, Brisby?

*pauses for a long moment, considering, before deciding to drop it. Shrugs* Auntie Shrew seems to think I don't discipline the children well enough.

And does she want you to hit them?

I'm not really sure what she expects. It's just something she said to me though I sincerely hope she didn't mean it literally.

*nods* I can imagine raising kids would be tricky. I'd just wanna be their friend.

*smiles softly* And I'm sure you'd be an excellent parent because of it.

*smiles in kind* Thanks for saying so. I hope I would be.

Children that cannot hear, can feel.

That's awful!

Don't you love your children?

Of course I do, that's why I'd never hurt them.

I never really got that saying. I mean, I'd never wanna hurt my children if I had any.

But completely spoiling them isn't the way to go either...

Of course not but there are other ways of disciplining a child. There's no need to-to beat them.

I completely agree, Mrs. Brisby.

I mean...there's the time out thing or maybe...like no TV for a week or something, you know?

*nod* Exactly... Though I will admit that my discipline isn't really that... effective. *helpless smile* They always used to listen to Jonathan.

Is Jonathan the oldest of your children?

Oh, no, he was my husband. Teresa's my eldest.

Oh! *sheepishly grins* He's...no longer...here then?

In my family, cuz my sister Ellie was the oldest, she kinda acted as a mom to me after our mother left us.

No, he passed away almost a year ago now.

*nods* Yes, Martin, he's trying to do the same. He wants so much to be like his father.

I-I'm sorry to hear that.

Aw, that's kinda sweet.

*smiles softly* It is but at the same time... I don't want him growing up too quickly.

Th-that's understandable.

How old is he?

He just turned ten.

That's pretty young to try to be an adult...

*nods* Yes, but I'm not sure what else I can do. I don't have the heart to discourage him.

True. He is just trying to help out.

*the teenager with copper red wings looks surprised to see a talking mouse*

Ma never had ta resort ta smacking us around, and there's 10 of us. Buncha bull iff'n ya ask me.