Genes

I am past 60 but can befriend with anybody from 5 to 50. I go for swimming regularly. The complex has the swimming pool of its own. Whatever the reason, but a complex having around 1600 flats, the pool is hardly frequented. And thus I am friends with few 10 years olds who come regularly, on one to one basis. 

While having a dip, they pour out their grievances, however small to me in the most earnest manner.

'Uncle', though I am in the league of their grandpa, they always call me uncle. Once so happened that one's father asked him to call me grandpa, initially he stoically refused, but when he saw other gentlemen in his 80s having a swim, he said 'That one is real grandpa, he is young grandpa.' Well, of course, I took it in my own stride, lovingly!

'Uncle, he pushes me down, Uncle he broke my water glasses, Uncle he does not allow me to swim !'   

At times I don't understand how to pacify them. I tell them, 'If you succumb to any bully in whatever way, you would be bullied all throughout your life. So resist in whichever way, you can !'  

One around 8 years in age and weighing no more than 20 kgs said, ' But uncle I can't. He always overpowers me.' 

I said in that case ' Remain away from him, that's the only way .'

'But if we do something to him, he tells his mummy and she scolds us without reason '. 

'In that case, bring, your mummy in' 

'But she won't venture'

I Replied probably without thinking, on the spur of  moment, 'In that case, change your mummy' 

Everybody exploded in laughter including the gentleman nearby who was listening to our conversation intently. He made a sign of 'Thumbs Up' to me and started laughing.

But these are THE genes, some are born bullies some just take it till the point they can take it, afterwards either they succumb or change the path, physically, psychologically. And it starts at this innocent age. 

The story gets repeated on every walk of life every day and there is no concrete answer to it!

The entire episode culminated on a bizarre note.

Two girls in the same age group were having similar type of altercation. One retorted, very solemnly to other's outburst, ' If you feel  my way, good, if not, go and die !'

Any answers for these 7-year-olds?