How do you feel about traditional Punch and Judy shows? DC had one at school on Friday...

[orangepuffle]

My DC (both boys, aged 6 and 8) were "treated" to a Punch and Judy show at school last week.

They told me that Punch hit Judy with a stick when she brought him a cup of tea. Punch also hit the Policeman and the Baker. DC told me, with glee, that Punch coaxed the baby to him before throwing baby down the stairs.

When asked how the show finished, DC reported that Punch said sorry to all of the characters and everyone lived happily ever after.

I have sought other mothers' opinions at school and they seem to find Punch and Judy as hilarious and part of our heritage.

I would love to hear your views on this.

I never really had experience of Punch and Judy when I was younger, then a couple of years ago they had a festival of it in town with the things dotted all over and I was horrified. I would never knowingly let my son watch it as unthinking entertainment. There's nothing remotely funny about domestic violence.

Makes me wonder if it did serve a purpose for children managing their fears back in the day when it was okay to beat your wife and physically abusing children was more prevalent. Might have been nice back then to see all that happen then the arm of the state... er.. the police... come and arrest Punch. But that's just conjecture.