threadwalker

Monday: N forgets to turn in homework for 3rd day in a row.
Yes, he gets reminded by me each day.
Yes, his teacher reminds the class first thing in the morning.
Yes, he packs his own pack and knows it's there.

My fear: the trend of older kids who do homework and never turn it in OR who do it and keep redoing it without ever turning it in.

There is no logical reason for this and we already had "the big talk" on Friday. So when I pick him up on Monday and find out, I scold him on the spot at the day-care. The teacher and 3-4 school age kids in the room freeze in place and sort of shrink in on themselves. I was blunt and angry and not taking wimpy excuses. He was put on the spot to explain himself and he couldn't. There were follow up consequences at home that included going to bed right after dinner, threat of cancelling "fun stuff" we had planned through the week and over the weekend, and him having to do his homework alone until the old stuff gets turned in. There was also coaching where we role-played and practiced turning in homework and I came up with a reminder that involves putting a sticker on his hand. (He succeeded to get his homework in on Tuesday and Wednesday.)

Tuesday: I am picking up N and I witness Class Mate B kick N's homework folder. N's paperwork promptly scatters across the floor. FYI- this is his second homework folder. The first one was "thrown" by someone and disappeared. It was full of homework and never resurfaced. Can you color me pissed off? I've since been told that the kids like to hide things from each other.

When I witness this, I promptly call the attention of the entire class and I ream them out. (The teacher was actually in the corner dealing with one of the problem kids and missed most of my Boot Camp Mom show.)
"N's folder is not a soccer ball and not a toy. It is off limits to horsing around. Homework is serious stuff and now you've pissed me off. You will not take it from him, you will not hide it from him, you will not kick it. I am very angry and if this happens again, I will take it up with the school director AND your parents. This is your first and only warning. N's first folder is still missing and I am not going to tolerate any further disrespect. If you mess with that folder, then you mess with me and I will not put up with it." And I called each child by name, made them look me in the eye, and asked them if they understood me, which is when the teacher popped up to find out what was going on. Each kid said they did. The older boys (the biggest trouble makers) were the real target for this conversation and I made sure I loomed over them and stared them down. Yup, I'm bigger than you and not afraid to show you how aggressive I can be. Don't mistake me for someone who's going to treat you with kid gloves or who mistakes you for perfect angels.

Wednesday:
The girls turn to have a run-in with Boot Camp Mom. I check E out from her class first and we go into the big kid room to get N. She runs off to huddle with the big girls while N gets his shoes on and back-pack, etc. She comes back with a new "thing" in her hand. I immediately guess that one of the girls traded her for the gum that was in her pocket. (I was going to throw the gum out anyway, but that's not the point). I summon all the girls over and demand to know who's trading with E. They don't confess, but E narqs on Girl-A. I require them to un-trade. I am not raising my voice, I'm just directing everyone. Then I explain that they are not allowed to trade with E or N nor are they allowed to "give" them things without clearing it through me. I ask them if they know why. (The class instructor tried to step in, but I asked him to please let me finish first). The boys gather up, too. They can't guess why. So I explain: If someone gives you something, how do you know it's theirs to give? How do you know it's clean and wasn't sitting in dog poop? (They all say "ewww!") How do you know it's safe? I recall them to Snow White and the apple. I tell them that not everyone likes kids; some people enjoy tricking kids and don't care if kids get hurt. Someone may want to give them candy, but it might not be candy, it might be something bad that hurts their tummies and puts them in the hospital. It's important that you don't accept things from people without checking with your parents. (One boy pipes up, "Just like my trick or treat candy." EXACTLY!!!) And that is why they are not allowed to trade with N or E and that is why they are not allowed to give things to N or E.

(The instructor, who's probably 22 or 23, was impressed and thanked me. He's so young and cute. sigh. I'm afraid the kids are going to wear him out.)

Thursday morning: I drop N off and his missing homework binder has magically shown up in his cubby. (it was not there on Tuesday during pick up and I didn't check on Wednesday).

Yup, I'm a Boot Camp Mom and I've got no problem with cracking my whip on these other kids if they cross me or my kids. And apparently someone decided to avoid risking my wrath and coughed up the folder. Good call.