Sitting together on the couch after dinner, Greg, Aiden’s dad, channel surfs, and Aiden, a seventh grader, closes his iPad.

“Uh, Dad, did my science teacher call or email you today?”

“No,” Greg replies as he clicks off the TV and faces Aiden. “You, okay?”

“I’m pretty sure Mr. Kennedy heard me mutter the “S” word under my breath when he said Mason would be my lab partner. Earlier, when we were doing test corrections, he told me he appreciated my attitude. It was a setup. Boom! I get assigned the worst kid in class!”

“You’re angry,” Greg said.

“Yes. Why do teachers think pairing the worst kid in school with a good kid will help the good kid? I’m the good kid, and I get punished!”

“You’ve got a point.”

“I wouldn’t mind once in a while, but every stinkin’ time this happens to me!”

“It’s frustrating,” Greg empathizes.

“That’s exactly how I feel. It’s not fair.”

“I hear you. What are you going to do?”

“I’ve got zero options, Dad.” Aiden’s face reddens. “Mr. Kennedy said no changes and no complaining. He looked right at me when he reminded everyone to do their best.”

“He didn’t leave you with any options, did he?”

“No. I will have to figure it out!

“I know you will.”

Greg taps Aiden’s leg and looks at him. “Now, about the ‘S’ word, Aiden. If you use language that doesn’t show respect, we will have to deal with it. I’d rather not have to do that, and I’m sure you agree. I’d prefer that you didn’t use that kind of language.”

“Okay.”

“I know it is not easy.”

“Everyone talks like that,” Aiden says.

“I know, it’s impossible to avoid hearing it.” Greg reaches around and touches his shoulder, “but it’s possible not use it.”

“Okay, Dad.”