The kids have "specials" or electives every day. There are seven classes of kindergarten but only five electives to attend. As I understand it, two classes were farmed out to the other five during this portion of the day. One day, Jackson got separated from the class and came home upset about that. However, the positive is that he has met fifteen other kids he would not have.
Jack loves PE and lunch. He is writing a lot and comes home with books he has made. He seems to like all the kids in his class and his teacher. He is reluctant to hug her which is odd. He told her he only hugs family members (lie). He is in love with a girl named Jewels. He has decided he will marry her. He loves the ladies!
After school I meet him outside. We walk through the alley with his friends from preschool. That seems to be a great end to the day. He calls them his "Star Wars Buddies." Often, Jackson simply wants to return home and play. We are not doing any after school activities - he is uninterested in soccer or tee ball. I am disappointed that he does not want to play sports. However, I am thankful because it makes our lives less chaotic. There will be enough time for that.
Jonathan continues to challenge us in the arena of behavior. Over Labor Day weekend, we went to see our best friends in Nashville. They have Kate (2) and Davis (6, soon to be 7). Jonathan pulled Kate's hair out of her head. We thought he did it in response to her trying to scare him. While we did admonish him, we thought it was an isolated incident. We returned to school last week only to have him do it again at Hand In Hand, to a little girl who is so sweet to him no less! I came to pick him up last Tuesday afternoon and he had a write up. I was so embarrassed - I started talking to the teacher, trying to explain we discipline at home and we didn't stand for that at home, etc. I was trying to convince her I was a good mom but all I got was this expressionless look. I needed her to say that other kids did this, he would grow out of it, etc. She simply appeared bored.
We returned Thursday. As I dropped him off, the little girl whose hair he pulled, trotted up to greet him. He started to gently touch her face while "oohing" and "aahing" - many find this charming. We have noticed that this sweet sound is often made while disobeying or before an unkind act may occur. Sure enough, he stroked the little girl's face and then reared back and popped her right in the cheek. I jumped and said, "Oh!" as did his teacher and the little girl. I panicked and thought, "What do I do? We are not on our turf. I have to act quickly..." I made him apologize and ran to the bathroom where he was promptly disciplined. I requested to speak to the director. I explained what happened and proceeded to plead for affirmation again. She was most kind and I felt better. I was nervous about returning to the classroom, embarrassed to show my face. But, we did. I dropped him off, attempted a joke, and left. When I came back in the afternoon, he had not slapped anyone again. Thank goodness.
One of the therapists gave me a book entitled "Love and Logic." It is quite logical and is opposed to spanking. It has a lot of great stories. The main gist is that you don't react with anger. You administer discipline with empathy. You give your kids lots of choices so when you have to make them, they are more compliant. We shall see how this works. I just want them to tell me how to get my kid to quit slapping and pulling hair.
Jonathan is making poor behavior choices but he is also imitating our behavior as well. He is such the mimic... We went to the park with friends a few weeks ago. I was pushing Jonathan in the swing and he started yelling - kind of a fake scream. I didn't know what he was doing. My friend, Elisabeth said, "Look - he is imitating you. Jake (her two-year-old) does that." I had never identified this behavior as such. Jonathan, instead of cupping his hands around his mouth, will place the palms of his hands under his chin, fingers facing outward, and yell, "Jasson! Jasson!" Then he will motion with his hand "come here." It is quite funny. Since we figured out what he was doing, I get him to do it all the time.
I have not become adept at applying "love and logic" yet but I am working on it... We were out to lunch on Saturday with friends. Jonathan again swatted so we put him in time out. We were outside near a fountain. So, we took Jonathan's portable chair, strapped him in, and placed it on the ground. Within seconds, we heard a commotion. We turned around and found him walking around with the entire seat strapped to his rear. He ran around like it wasn't even there. Jamie and I, along with our friend, Suzanne, started laughing. So much for time out in a public place. I guess that won't work unless it is secured to a chair.
I keep thinking that I will "arrive" as a parent. I came to the conclusion this week that there is no way that will ever happen!
Have a great week,
Julie:)
juliewarren73@charter.net
Jackson and Jonathan on Jack's first day of school.
Jackson with is supplies.
Jackson was intent on wearing his Star Wars t-shirt.
We drove close to the school, then got out and walked Jack to his classroom. We were allowed to walk him the first week. The next Monday, we were all met at the door and told we could not walk our kids any further.
Jackson on the first day at his table.
This is Jack's classroom. Jamie was taking pictures and hovering in the doorway! He wanted to make sure Jack was okay. We sure weren't!
