The Aftermath of the Victoria Lindsay Beating
Reality TV (squared)
As this beating gains national attention, it is important to recognize that this incident occurred in central Florida. In a press conference on Monday, April 7th, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd characterized the beating as "animalistic behavior."
Sorting beyond the details in search of parenting nuggets, I wish to extend my condolences to Lindsay, the participants and all their parents. As a parent of teens now grown, I had to face difficult moments with my children. In spite of this unfortunate incident I believe there are a few points for all of us to consider in our parenting process.
1- It is important that teens maintain their individuality, belief system in spite of being subjected to "pack mentality" as Polk County Sheriff Judd identified this group's behavior. Teach your children to be independent thinkers. It is always fitting but not easy to take a stand for what you believe in and act accordingly.
2- Most cultures regardless of religion or belief recognize the Golden Rule; "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This ethic traces back for thousands of years for good reason.
3- Parents, role play with your teens on issues of conflict resolution with their peers. Teach and use peaceful mediation in your own home to resolve differences of opinion and contentious behaviors. Children and teens sometimes lack the words to verbalize their objections. Role playing can help them identify the words and needed behaviors to peacefully object with their peers.
4- Teach personal accountability daily. Hopefully this is not a phrase foreign to you or your teenager as this principal should be introduced as early as possible. It is most effective when modeled by you, the parent. Teach them to own their behavior, first and foremost.
5- Convey unconditional love always to your children. Children especially aging teens are going to make mistakes. While you may not be proud of what behavioral choice was made, focus on problem-solving, consequences and restitution if necessary. Regardless of how large or small the infraction, love your child unconditionally!
If you need assistance in defining safe and empowering ways to enact on any of these behaviors in your own home, consult with your spiritual advisor or a mental health professional in your area.
Published by Raine J
I am a student of life. I have done a little of this, a little of that as a parent, administrator, consultant and now, a freelance writer. View profile
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68 Comments
Post a CommentThe 2 boys and 6 girls deserve the death penalty. That'll teach em :)
All those girls should be ashamed of themselves
But more so
The boys who video taped it
They sat there
And for some reason or another
Thought it some how
Hilarious to film a 16 yr old
Being pummeled almost beyond recognition
Just to teach her a lesson??
Well i hope they all learn THEIR lesson
And get a just sentence by the courthouse
They need to be in jail for a while
So they can see how that poor girl felt
Because i have no doubt
That the prisoners in that jail
Will have no mercy on them
And it will be their just deserts
Dang she got her butt kicked really bad
why are people so bad these days???
people should be ver peaceful in their actions.
-walt man.
This is truly disgusting. I am a 22 year old female, and what they did was despicable. Do unto others as you would do unto yourself is such a great quote for this kind of problem. The parents are to blame here, not the internet. I myself love myspace, and youtube, but most certainly would not go beating someone for the sheer enjoyment of people gawking at me being so tough. These girls should be prosecuted to the full extent of each law. Mercades in my opinion (being that she lived with her) should have been charged with FELONY domestic violence (landing her at least 1 year in jail). All I can say is I'm glad the system is trying them as adults. They may not be, but they have definitely shown everyone that they want to be adults. Lets give them a chance now :)
excellent parenting tips, with one teen now grown, one at 13 and the babes, it is very scary about the ever growing level of violence among teens. what is even worse is their desire to record it for "posterity" to show on YouTube or other forums. Obviously there is a lack not only of parenting, but close to psychopathic behaviour if they truly wish to advertise their actions and believe there is no personal responsibility.
i thiink that is discusting, what reason could they have it better be a good reason because that was harsh beating and i thiink that it is butal and i hope you recover
Sending a shout out to all and everyone who has stopped by to read my article. First of all, I want to agree with Izzy about teen on teen crime. It's everywhere. Like Lovella Grey pointed out, young folks are being dropped for no reason at all. Unfortunately Victoria's beating is merely a symptom of a larger disease-HATE! It is not enough that Haters bully you at school, on the job and when you are hanging out with your friends, many are losing sleep on how to trip you up and send you to the hospital. My parenting tips are meant to be a starting place for reflection not a cure all. Thanks again for sharing your words with me.....Raine J
Its interesting that you offer parenting tips from this situation. What kind of parenting did these kids have? I say, give them a light sentence, and then give them looooong service hours to give them the responsibility of working with others. Perhaps mentoring? Only after they themselves have been rehabilitated of course.
They should throw all their asses in jail with some hardcore criminals, see how they like being someone's little bitch...
that would teach them.