It will be interesting to see a translation of this item.
Thinking back to my own childhood, adolescence, early adult years, and--gulp!--
now, I know that various people would have various opinions of me. It is very much a
Rashoman issue . . . what is perceived by one person one way may be perceived by another person another way. Factor into that one's moods, situations, and many other elements that go into the observation and recording of a personality. I have sustained friendships during my lifetime, some from as far back as elementary school, but all the same I realize there are those who would speak of me in a negative way, should the opportunity present itself. (And I admit that some of them would have valid points!)
Now, we know that while most Romanov-related autobiographies have said very positive things about OTMAA, most have also presented them as real children, with all the quirks and foibles that accompany childhood. And then there have been those who have reported negative matters, particularly with Anastasia and Alexei. Plus, I'm sure most of us can remember (tho' for the moment I can't cite) the reference about how the children "behaved like wild Indians."
First, despite the fact that I was brought up to be very proper--perhaps too proper!--there were times when I sorely disappointed my mother, and looking back, about 50% of those times I don't blame her for being disappointed. But the fact of the matter is that all of us--particularly those of us who have been brought up to be polite and decorous--also have the need to cut loose now and then.
Second, to all of you out there who have survived puberty--especially the female gender who've dealt with the initial years of menstruation--well, unless you were extremely fortunate, you know how emotional, cross, and even destructive those physical changes can make you.
From what I have read, Nicholas and Alexandra did their very best to instill manners and respect in their children. All the same, what parent has been 100% successful in turning out little autonomans? The film footage showing Alexei being physically aggressive towards one of the little boys his own age appalled me; I felt like reaching into the movie, grabbing Alexei by the shoulder, and ordering him to apologize! And considering the gentlemanly behavior of Nicholas and Alexadra's codes of propriety, I would imagine this is ultimately what happened.
Remember too that girls of a similar age tend to exaggerate a bit. I do not doubt Chebotarevna's account, and I look forward to learning more about this, but I think we should realize that her impression of the girls, and what they felt comfortable in talking about and allowing her to witness, is naturally going to be different.
Of course, for those who wish to literally and/or figuratively regard OTMAA as saints, accounts such as those by Chebotarevna may be difficult to accept. But I suspect that many of us--especially those who are a bit longer in the tooth

--continue to view OTMAA as typical children in a very atypical situation who, like Anne Frank, were tragically denied their adult years.