[thechaplain]

I find it ironic that there is a thread whinging about kids whinging because they're kids. What's our excuse?

Dr. Paris, I agree completely - they should show us respect. Of course, as long as they are doing that then it is your obligation to do exactly the same. I played a game against an 11 year old boy and his SMurfs recently, because he liked the look of my Guardsmen and wanted to play against them. He asked very politely and he was very nice and easy-going throughout the game. This is more than I can say for many "adults". Ordinarily I'd have let him win - but as he wanted to see what the Guard were capeable of, I rolled him - he still left the store with a massive smile on his face, though. Why? Because I spoke to him and treated him in the same manner that I would someone my own age. Throughout the game, if he made a bad decision or got a rule wrong, I just pointed it out and suggested what I would do - sometimes he listened and sometimes he didn't - but he always thanked me for the advice. I was so impressed by this young man that at the end of the game - it was me who went round the table to him to shake his hand and congratulate him on a game well played.

You spend your childhood being told that you have to earn respect and that the best way to earn it is to give it. Well that rule still applies - whether you're 14 or 40. So if you just sit and take the piss out of some kids badly painted Space Marines, or his misinterpretation of a rule - then A) expect them to react badly and B ) don't cry about it - because frankly, it's deserved. If you want the respect of these kids try talking to them like equals.

Of course - there are some who aren't interested. Who will react badly no matter what you do or how much respect you show them. They will become the adults that behave that way. It's nothing to do with age and everything to do with attitude.

So please - don't lump people into categories like "child" and "adult". If you're willing to generalise like that then I know which category you belong in. Think about it.