Yes and wow, that was a mouthful. I think I'm going to have to listen to this a few times because there is so much quality info in it. Thanks a bunch Jerry!

On a side note do you know if there is any data on how to present these to Cubs? Example, We had a character connection time last week about respecting others. I had noticed that over a few meetings a few of the behaviors between some of the boys were not kind. Grabbing another childs shirt, or picking up their hat if they dropped it, and other such things, and I felt that I needed to instill in these boys that the Pack and each den are basically families, and that we respect each other and treat them with courtesy.

Well I didn't expect them to get it in one night, and sure enough I caught my own son doing something near the end of this weeks meeting. He and another boy were fighting over the hat. I immediately intervened when I saw it and said stop. I looked at them and said who's hat is it. The both indicated it was this other boys. To which I said, well then let him have it I said. That ended it, but when I got home my wife and I sat down and had a talk with him. (note I've noticed this particular boy has a habbit of losing his hat or scarf, not necessarily on purpose, and he's very protective of his belongings. That's something I can relate to.)

So my wife asks my son tell me what happened, and be honest. He said the other boy had dropped his hat. His hat was different than my sons (my son is a wolf, this boy is a tiger). My son said he just wanted to touch it. We asked him why he wanted to touch it? The answer was obvious, it was different and he hadn't meant to be mean about it, but the other boy, likely in other venues has had to be protective of his things and took it as a threat (could have been construed as bullying).

So what did we do? For starters, we thought of something my son has that he really likes, in this case it was his Cars ™ (as in toy cars from the movie Cars). We asked him, how would you like it if you brought your Lightning McQueen to scouts. What if it fell on the floor and some other boy picked it up and then wouldn't give you it back when you asked. My boy says, I'd be really sad, especially if was my new one. So we said well, this hat may have been this other boys first hat ever, and because of that it is special to him. Therefore, you shouldn't be picking up or touching other people's belongings.

I only hope the lesson sticks as he is only 7, and they don't always do. But I can see from this other boy's perspective how that happening could be construed as bullying. I am pondering whether to suggest to my son that he apologize for what he did the next time he sees him, but not sure if that is the best course of action. Any thoughts?