He is His Mother's Son

I remember when I was in 6th grade. It was tough. It was not fun. I had a teacher whose expectations were so great that more than half the class was failing. Failing in all subjects. How does that happen? Especially to students who are A+ students? Well, let me tell you.......the teacher would have been an awesome (and later did become) a high school teacher.

What I remember most from that year? I was on restriction for the better part of the year. I couldn't do anything. I had to come straight home from school, sit down and do my homework......In. My. Room. There was no TV, no phone, no social life. The only thing I could do was go to practice for whatever sport I was playing. That's. It.

My middle son is in 6th grade this year. It has been a challenge. I have been getting emails since the first week of school about him and his behavior. This week has been overwhelming. We battled about homework for science and that set the tone for the rest of the week. I was spoken to by 2 of his teachers about behavior and I got his progress report. The kid is not turning in his homework or isn't even doing it. His reasoning? Because if he becomes a construction worker he won't need to have any of this knowledge.

Well, it looks like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I know he is seeking attention, but all he is getting is the negative kind. Not. Good. I just got an email from one of his teachers and she asked him if he would like it if I sat in the classroom for Homework Club. Not to just sit in there, but to sit with him. A lightbulb went off. The poor guy just needs some extra one on one attention and a bit of love. So this coming week we will have some quality homework time that doesn't involve helping his brothers, cooking dinner, and making sure everyone is on track. It will be just me and him sitting together, working on homework. I hope this is the start to a road of behavior recovery. I also hope this is a good start to satisfying his need for one on one time.

Dear Boys,

It is not often that I ask you to come to the store with me. I try to wait until you are all in school or your dad is home so I can make a whirl wind trip. It is so much easier for me when I can do it alone.

I am overjoyed when you take our pre-shopping talk to heart and consider everything I have said as important, good behavior for when we are in the grocery. I love that you listen to me when we are there. It especially makes me incredibly happy when you keep your hands to yourselves, off the produce, off goods on the shelves, and use your inside voices. I am thrilled when you stay close by and not run off to the next isle as if you were all playing a game of tag. I also appreciate that you don't throw things in the cart with out asking because I would hate to pay for something I didn't want in the first place.

My heart flutters when other patrons look upon our family with a smile on their face and a compliment at the ready! I am filled with pride when I am able to walk into a store with 3 handsome, well behaved boys. It makes going to the grocery and any other store a pleasure.

So boys, make momma proud! Do the right thing.

Love always,
Mom