Even tough kids, those street -wizened and hardened- by life ones, usually have a softer side. Sometimes, we don't see this side. There are two reasons for that. Number one is that when kids are busy getting into trouble, they keep us fairly busy also. We are dealing with the results of their bad behavior. We are involved in finding appropriate consequences and developing ideas to prevent a rerun of the situation in the future. We really are not looking for their good points. The second reason is that tough kids hate to let anyone know they've got a softer side. For them to appear caring or gentle, especially in front of their peers, is not something they want to reveal. To be soft or caring makes them appear and feel vulnerable. So, it is easier to be angry, rebellious, and tough.
Recently, while doing an interview on a very unrelated subject, I was told a story. The folks I interviewed have a wild animal sanctuary, which will soon be opened to the public. Part of their advertising and educating the public involves taking baby lions, tigers, leopards, bears etc. to schools and nursing homes. It was during one of these sessions that a small miracle took place. It was an inner-city high school with lots of tough kids. The wildlife sanctuary staff was told to expect neither much response or orderly classroom. The kids may not pay attention or even acknowledge your presence, she was told. The teacher said that was their usual way. The lady was not worried; she saw the magic of these animals before.
The class was in awe and amazement at how close they could get to these wild animals. They could touch them, pet them, hold them, and feed them. One very large young man weighing about 260 and towering over this little lady at 6' plus, took a liking to one of the cats. When she needed someone to hold that one during a demonstration, she handed it to him. He held it like a baby; stroking its fur, and hugging it close, gently whispering to it. She let it remain with him for the rest of the class. The class was over and the regular teacher looked at her with amazement. He had never seen the class so well behaved or so interested in any topic before. Then he looked at the very large young man, still clinging to the cat. "Unbelievable," he whispered, nobody can reach that kid. Finally, it was time to take the animals home. The lady went to put the
