The Wild Things

You know, I've always loved the book "Where the Wild Things Are." I read it to both of my kids many times. I always wanted to start a wild rumpus. And I thought Max was adorable. So, I was rather excited when I saw the previews of the movie during the summer. This past weekend, my husband and I went to see the movie.

Now I teach at a high school and one of the things we try to instill in our students is that there are consequences for negative behaviors. I don't think the movie went very far towards that end. Max has a tantrum on the kitchen counter. He yells at his mother and then runs off. She chases him out of the house and through the neighborhood until Max disappears into the woods.

Then his adventure starts. He meets the wild things, becomes their king and helps to build a great fortress. He then realizes that he misses home, especially his mother. And so, Max sets out in his boat to return home.

When he arrives at home, his mother is anxiously waiting for him. She greets him with open arms and lovingly serves him a nice warm meal. End of movie.

No consequences for his behavior? What are we trying to teach our children? Throw a tantrum, run away from home and all will be right with the world?

My children wandered off to various places when they were young. They would leave me in the mall or in a particular store to look at what they wanted to see. I would panic and search frantically for them. My heart would pound fiercely and I would agonize over what might have happened to them, or who might have taken them. But when they were found, they not only knew of my joy to see them and to know that they were safe, but they also were reprimanded for leaving and there were consequences. Hold my hand for the rest of the shopping trip, or no special treats today, but there were consequences. They had to learn that there were certain rules of behavior that applied to their safety and that those rules had to be followed.

Too often in our society there are no consequences for wrong doing. Parents, schools and other groups do not enforce rules because we don't want to upset the children or we are just too happy and thankful that they are safe. We need to rejoice in that feeling of knowing things are safe but we also need to teach the lesson that rules are made to be followed and that if they are not, there are consequences.