You may, though I am more interested to know your justification for the use of the curse in last night's excitement.
You propose to disincentivise children from indulging in night fears or other irrational behaviour. My point, young lady, is that behaviour which is inherently irrational cannot necessarily be deterred by rational appeal. Even an extreme measure such as the threat of the Cruciatus may not be a guarantee of self-control in the face of an unchecked compulsion. (Indeed, I see that Bellatrix has noted the lengths to which people will go to avoid the ordeal. Hence you will agree that the threat of the curse is a tool to be used carefully and not capriciously.)
On the other hand, the pattern established by a child who persists in difficulty, even after the introduction of consequences, may well be concealing a deeper worriment, of which their conduct is merely an outward sign.
I assure you, you are not the first to express annoyance at the foolishness of your younger charges, nor shall you be the last. I can certainly sympathise, for the shepherding of the inane is one of the less desirable responsibilities falling to the Head Boy and Girl.
What I wonder, however, is whether these incidents betray a more fundamental source for anxiety. Look beyond the surface action to determine whether their repeated trouble is simply a case of having been coddled, or whether it bears further investigation.
no subject
You propose to disincentivise children from indulging in night fears or other irrational behaviour. My point, young lady, is that behaviour which is inherently irrational cannot necessarily be deterred by rational appeal. Even an extreme measure such as the threat of the Cruciatus may not be a guarantee of self-control in the face of an unchecked compulsion. (Indeed, I see that Bellatrix has noted the lengths to which people will go to avoid the ordeal. Hence you will agree that the threat of the curse is a tool to be used carefully and not capriciously.)
On the other hand, the pattern established by a child who persists in difficulty, even after the introduction of consequences, may well be concealing a deeper worriment, of which their conduct is merely an outward sign.
I assure you, you are not the first to express annoyance at the foolishness of your younger charges, nor shall you be the last. I can certainly sympathise, for the shepherding of the inane is one of the less desirable responsibilities falling to the Head Boy and Girl.
What I wonder, however, is whether these incidents betray a more fundamental source for anxiety. Look beyond the surface action to determine whether their repeated trouble is simply a case of having been coddled, or whether it bears further investigation.