The Right Thing to Do
"That's not the right way, dear. Movies aren't like real life or school."
The large yellow school bus moved steadily along its busy morning route. Soft golden sunlight streamed through the windows, lighting up tiny dust particles floating in the air.
Every day, Murali and his little sister Hridya rode this bus to school together. That morning, Murali sat by the window, holding Hridya close. She placed her butterfly-themed school bag on her lap and sat quietly. After a while, she whispered to him in a worried voice:
"Brother, will you come to my class today and stop some students?"
"Oh, my little one! Stop students? Why, darling?"
"Some classmates always push me from behind when we're playing or lining up. They try to snatch things from my hands and my bag, too."
"That's not nice at all. Who are those classmates?"
Hridya named three students. "Have you asked them nicely not to push or grab your things?" Murali asked.
"Yes, brother, lots of times. Now you must stop them!"
"What if I talk to your teacher about it?"
"But my friend said the best way is to call you to stop them."
Murali laughed softly. "Where did your friend get that idea?"
"She saw it in movies. In movies, big brothers always step in like that."
Murali smiled, kissed her forehead gently, and said, "That's not the right way, dear. Movies aren't like real life or school. I know your Teacher well—she was my teacher too. I'll ask her to take care of it. She'll fix things, I promise."
"Okay, brother. Tell her to stop it right away!"
"I'll see her today."
With the confidence from her brother, Hridya started singing a new rhyme she'd learned in class. Murali smiled, happy to see her anger melt away. He hugged her close and sang along with her. Then they could see their school in the distance.
***
Life-Skills Introduced in This Chapter
Seeking Non-Violent Solutions: Choosing peaceful ways, like talking to a teacher, over fighting or punching to resolve bullying or conflicts.
Distinguishing Fiction from Reality: Understanding that ideas from movies may not work in real life and can lead to wrong choices.
Asking for Help from Trusted Adults: Turning to teachers or family for support when facing problems like pushing or grabbing at school.
Encouraging Open Communication: Asking others nicely to stop bad behavior first, before escalating the issue.
Building Confidence in Siblings: Reassuring younger family members to help them feel safe and turn negative feelings into positive ones.a text box.
