you actually believe that Butt spanking is still the issue? Hummm......
You actually believe that Butt spanking is part of mentoring?? Hummmm ..
What is wrong with a good old fashioned butt spanking? I take it by your comment that highly offended your Delicate Sensibilities. you must be so narrowed minded that one sentence out of the whole post has your underwear in a ruffle and ultimately bothered you so much you are missing the BIG picture or meaning of the actual post.
How can you miss the fact that just the interest rufus1 has shown the child is probably the most if not only positive attention this child has ever received in his whole 9 years, but you feel like he needs more? Were you not paying attention when the child’s school and home issues problems were described in detail as well as the lack of parental guidance and/or attention at home, however you decided there is "nothing wrong with the boy" that kindness and care would or even could take care of. How hard and frustrating for you to have such an interest and his mother appear to have little or none.
Sometimes the saving grace is simple consistency and encouragement. If he knows you will not give up on him and that you think he can do better, he might rise to the challenge and surprise everyone.
Are you not familiar with the development and cognitive stages a child goes thru starting with the day they are born, and the cause and effect of negelect and deprivation have on a childs mental & emotional well being? Often times, children like this are not familiar with "kindness and care" and will reject if not downright fight against something as little as a hug. you obviously judge people without concerning the whole picture.
as for rufus1, i admire your efforts and dedication to a child who is not only not your own, but apparently has issues. As previous said, hopefully the interest and attention you are showing this boy will be the stable guiding light he will need to break out of the only lifestyle he has ever known. You seem to be the first that has actual shown an interest in him, the teachers already have labeled him.
Mentoring is not easy and those children that need mentoring are not "normal" children. It is a challenge, however I believe you are on the right track. i applaud your efforts and encourage you to continue what you are doing.
You seem to be crossing several lines. I assume you are in a program like big brothers? Assuming this is so you are trying to act as a social worker/father and not so much, it seems as a mentor.
I really think you may want to give some thought as to what role you have in the childs life and try to realign yourself with the mentor programs goals and methodology.
No BUTT spanking at all , this will not help this child,I read your post with interest then read that at the end, how on earth do you think hitting a child would help him be more focused and concentrate, those kind of thoughts are not part of mentoring and you are correct it is not within your realm,do his parents know you feel like that.He has nothing wrong with him that some kindness and care wont help ,he needs more positive attention.