the vicar's kiss

[zippitippitoes]

....do you feel sorry for him?

It does raise some serious questions doesn't it? Perfectly innocent gesture imho. What about Putin's kiss??

How daft. And I feel very sorry for kids at school who can't be comforted by a cuddle if they are upset (gather teachers are told no touching at all, ever).

I wasn't referring to you, gothicmama -- I hadn't even read your post when I posted mine (you'll see from the timestamps that we cross-posted).

I don't belittle the effect teasing and bullying van have on a child, but teasing and bullying is the fault of the bullies and that's where the resources should go -- not to some old duffer who gave a peck on the cheek. That's if the daughter was being bullied or teased, of which there isn't even the faintest whisper of a suggestion so far as I can see.

Related incident. A mother I know was called to see the reception class teacher because her little girl wanted to hold the teacher's hand, or touch her hand for reassurance and it was 'unacceptable' I wanted to cry when she told me this. For goodness sake the poor mite had just started big school.

right now

the girl who was kissed

is led to believe that because of the hooha and her mum's actions/response this was a serious matter

but nothing has come of it but embarrassment and confusion

what has she learnt about what is and is not acceptable behaviour, right and wrong

any future kissing gesture towards her from whoever is going to be fraught with uncertainty and guilt about whether it is right or not

Kids could get teased because their parents ruffle their hair in the playground. Or sing a bit. Shall we try and bang them up too? The remote possibility that someone's action may possibly lead to a child ribbing another child should not, IMO, mean that action needs investigating by the bloody police.

I am horrified by how little contact teachers are allowed to have with even very little kids. It think it's dreadful.

It is ridiculous. Kissing of cheeks is a very acceptable and mormal part of our culture now. We are becoming less stiff upper lips and getting more continential.

This man spontaneoudly kissed a child on the cheek in full public view of everyoen there. This was not an assault or him being a molester. Just a kindly man who was so pleased for a girl's success (which he has played a part in), is a dad himself and he just responded to that.

Madness that this poor man is being treated like this and will have to live with the consequences (even if nothing comes of it in the end, which is likley) for the rest of his life. he will probably never feel confident enough to respond emotionally again now.

The mother is being utter ridiculous; She has brought her daughter into the public eye and probably caused her a lot of embarrassment and upset in front of her peers. As well as potentially ruining a man's career and reputation over nothing.

Okay if she didn't like it complain directly to him, let him apologise and move on!