Betty Alfred <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Linda,
>
[snip]
>
> Someone else may feel differently; I don't mean to judge.  I
> don't think people should feel obligated to answer a lot of
> questions about their disabilities.  With children though, it
> seems like an awareness opportunity.
>
> Betty
>
>
All depends on the kids & the question. 13 years ago when we
first moved into this area we used to get regularly harrassed by
a little group of 14/15 yr olds. The game was to ring our door
bell, ask a question ("Have you got the time Mister?") then all
hoot with laughter at the answer.

The solution was simple. I kept a polaroid camera next to the
door, next episode got a wonderful snap of the whole gang, never
got bothered again.

The realisation that if you can remove the cloak of anonymity
from these young teenage pranksters, their behaviour improves in
leaps and bounds, has helped in many situations.

A few weeks ago I used a similar technique on a little gang who
congregate in the rain shelter at our local railway station each
evening. For several days running I'd see them all nudging each
other as I walked towards them, an innoccuous question about the
weather as I passed, followed by a fairly talented mimicry of my
voice after I replied. After the third consecutive evening of
this I turned to the "ringleader" and asked "How's your Mum? I
haven't seen her for quite a while". Now I didn't know him from
Adam, but I saw the seeds of doubt entering his mind.

Result, 3 weeks of no weather questions, in fact the little gang
have now taken up residence in the bus shelter now.

--
Deri James
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