I know, Leah, anger and yelling make so much sense as a response, but they're not my usual first reaction, and, it's true, didn't feel particular safe. I like your big smile and "have a nice day." I murmured, "peace, children," as I went by the big group, which I often do when I get the meanness from the kids, but, although that's really what I'm wanting, for me, for them, some peace, and although it's their childishness that makes it easier to see the desperation in what they're doing without absorbing too much of it, I think saying that aloud might also feel really provocative, like an insult, like it touched something too raw in them, and might make things turn uglier. "Have a nice day" is much better that way.

Thanks for those hugs.