I have only just noticed that there is a column called ‘Male Call’ in the local newspaper on the page for ‘family matters’. I am not sure how long this has been happening but it is new to me. Here is the latest.

Give me the simple life
by Bernard Francis

I went to my daughter’s camp as a helper for four days and was amazed at how the approach to discipline has changed in the past 40 or so years – and not for the best, in my opinion. I’ll give a few examples of then and now, none of which, I might add, happened at the recent school camp I attended.

Example one: Little Boris disrupts other pupils in class. In the past he’d have been sent to the principal’s office for a smack on the bottom and sent back to class to sit still. Now, he’s sent to counselling for anger management and told he’s got ADHD and can do what he wants.

Example two: Little Boris gets hold of leftover fireworks and blows up an ant’s nest. In the past, ants die and Dad gives Boris a pat on the head for getting rid of ants. Now, the police arrive and arrest Boris for a terrorist attack, CYFS investigate and remove Boris from house and Dad goes on the terror watch-list.

Example three: Little Boris falls and scrapes his knee. Male teacher finds him crying and puts his arm around his shoulders for comfort. In the past, Boris feels better and carries on playing. Now, teacher is accused of paedophilia, loses his job and faces jail.

The good old days weren’t good, but at least they were uncomplicated.

Read male call online at www.theaucklander.co.nz