Kids make me laugh

[threadwalker]

and proud.

Super N's virtues were extolled to me when I went to get him (and his sis) tonight. The new (and therefore wet behind the ears) after school program teacher was impressed with him; he read aloud to other kids, helped out in class, etc.

Initially when a (wet behind the ears) teacher says he/she needs to speak to me the first time, I get sad even before I know what's going on. For the last few years it has lead to early bed-times and restrictions at home. What? My angels? Challenge their teachers? Argue with the confidence of adults? dig their feet in stubbornly? Use vocabulary beyond their years? And wrap it all in logic? Super N and Miss E seem to reflexively test the boundaries of new teachers. My dynamic duo have also demonstrated an uncanny ability to rouse the rest of the class into helping them gang up on new teachers; I'm sure one hands out pitch forks and torches while the other comes up with slogans and promises candy to all who help out. I usually have to call my kids off of the adults and remind them that no matter how smart they think they are, they need to respect the authority figure in the classroom. This has been the SOP for the last 3-4 teachers they've had.

So I was pleasantly surprised today because the "first report" made everyone happy. I made a big deal out of it. Super N blew me away even more when he told me how he read during recess at school today. This is a HUGE accomplishment. Reading is only a little less torturous than folding laundry to this kid.

It was fun to brag on him. He twinkled and skipped all evening as we ran errands. I love how twinkly he was, his blond hair sticking up in all directions, big smile which shows missing teeth, and the glow of accomplishment.

Comments

[xrian.livejournal.com]

Clearly, being angelic and helpful is just his new way of testing boundaries ;) ;)

FWIW (and not that it applies to Super N or anything) my mom used to say that no one should worry over a kid who was well behaved in public and a little terror at home, because they were (appropriately) doing their "acting out" at home where they felt safe. It's when they are angels at home and devils elsewhere that one begins to wonder what's going on...

[kahnegabs.livejournal.com]

I agree fully! When I was teaching, I used to tell people that. But then, of course, my own first two kids were a lot like thread-walkers. It may please you to know that by high school they became very responsible and helpful adults. My youngest, on the other hand, was perfect everywhere as a child -- until she hit high school and stopped being perfect ANYwhere for a few years. (She grew up to be fine too, but it took till she was 30 to do it.) All kids need to act out somewhere for a while.

[stealth-1066.livejournal.com]

And he was rather proud of himself that he and his friend sunk me twice in the Pirates game at Pacificon 2009 while is Dad was dealing with is own issues throughout the game. It was good to see him growing up into a young Man and not a little Brat......