The Queen's Rambles

I was reading a blog post the other day by a mom who is dealing with a three year old. Most of us know that Three is one of the worst ages–the Terrible Twos are a breeze in comparison but no one tells you that until you are in the trenches, sobbing because your sweet baby just kicked you in the teeth (literally and figuratively). I don’t know the blogger that well, but I posted some words of encouragement and tried to let her know that even though it felt like he was a wild hooligan now, someday he would grow up and be the great person that she’s raising him to be. I referenced Erik and how at Three I was convinced he was going to grow up to be some kind of violent psychopath, but now he is a sweet, responsible kid who makes crepes for breakfast!

I should learn not to brag like that. Truly, I wasn’t trying to brag. I was trying to help her see the light at the end of the tunnel. Karma didn’t care, though. Karma is kicking my ass.

He really has been so mature and helpful and just an all-around-great kid. We haven’t had any big problems with him lately. I thought we were good until the teen years. Foolish, foolish me. He turned 7 1/2 this week and you know what that means? The big, ugly six month craziness had to happen.

He was supposed to go to the first day of spring science class after school yesterday. His science teacher called me to let me know he forgot about it and was on the bus instead. I figured he wasn’t paying attention and that it was an honest mistake.

Oh lord.

If only.

When Erik got home he told me he didn’t hear them call science so he didn’t want to stay if there wasn’t science. A few months ago he stayed when they called fifth grade science and I had to go pick him up, so I could understand his hesitation. I was pretty confused, though. We had talked about science class starting today. He had an extra snack in his lunch box. His friends are in the science class. He should have known it was happening. I questioned him pretty thoroughly and his story was not making a whole lot of sense. He’s 7, though. His stories are often mixed up.

About three minutes after that conversation I got a panicked text from his classroom teacher asking me if I was home and if I would contact her as soon as possible because Erik ran away from the school. I don’t know why she didn’t just call, but whatever.

I called her back and found out the real story and the real reason his story made no sense.

School was over and different dismissals were being called. Erik and his friend were discussing whether or not there was science class since it had not been called yet. The teacher heard them talking about it and walked over to confirm that there was science class. Erik said he didn’t believe her (wtf, kid? I only told you twenty times before school!). I happen to be the PTA science class coordinator and had sent an e-mail to all the teachers about the class, so she took him over to her computer and had him read my e-mail. Then she asked him what it said, who it was from, and what day it was. All leading questions so he would say “ok, there is science class today.” He agreed it was from his mom and today was science class day. She asked him, “so you know there is science class today?” and he didn’t answer her. She turned around to help another student and when she turned back to him he was gone. She thought he went down to the science class, but later found out that he left the school and got on his bus before it was even called.

I am completely dumbfounded by this behavior. Just. . . .what? He just argued with his teacher and left school? He loves science class so I can’t fathom what was going through his mind and he can’t seem to explain it to me.

I was not pleased when I found out he missed class, but accidents happen. But this? Someone please tell me what to do! I’ve taken away all screen time until Saturday. He had to write a note of apology to his regular teacher and science teacher. I have him doing all kinds of additional chores.

I lectured a blue streak, but I don’t like lecturing. Everything I’ve read says less is more when it comes to talking to kids about their consecquences and things like that. Let them know you are disappointed and why, but don’t become a nag or all they will hear is a Charlie Brown teacher wah wah wah.

I stopped my hard core lecturing for about twenty minutes, then I suddenly realized that I am usually not even home on Tuesday afternoons. I have an extra hour so I usually go grocery shopping or playdating. I asked him what he would have done if I wasn’t home and he didn’t have an answer so I told him he better think about it and come up with an answer.

I am very lucky that Mike is a great spouse and we very, very, very rarely argue. However, I have lots of friends who have arguments with their husbands and the conversation between Erik and I sounded like a typical male/female argument.

Me: Blah blah blah think about it!

Erik: I don’t want to think about it. I said I don’t want to talk about it.

Me: Well you have to think about it! Why blah blah blah.

Erik: I’m done talking about this.

Me: Hysterical screeching.

Erik: Ugh. Quit talking.

And if he thinks he can talk to me that way, he has another think coming. I want to go completely nuclear on him, but am trying to contain my crazy. I think his biggest punishment was listening to me tell Mike what he did. He doesn’t care if I know he is a defiant turd. He does not want his dad to know anything about it.