[Tommy]

One of the most common games enjoyed by bored children in my extended family is for the older ones to provoke the younger ones by criticizing their appearance or actions. The younger ones always take the bait and resort to crying, yelling, throwing or all three. I've long advised the younger ones that the best way to stop the older ones from harrassing them is to ignore them. The only reason they keep saying provocative things is to see the reactions they seek. If you deprive them of their entertainment, they will find something else to do. ... Of course the younger ones are too immature to understand and follow that advice. ..... I think there is a parallel here.