Small Update
Of course I was bothered by Erik’s story last night. I had no idea how much of it was true or what was going on. I used to be a teacher. I know school kids are liars. Sometimes they mean to be, sometimes they just have big imaginations. I just know that I shouldn’t believe half of what he tells me and I hope his teacher will extend me the courtesy when he starts telling stories about home.
I e-mailed her this morning to ask what was going on. I told her the story exactly as Erik told me. I let her know that I didn’t believe for an instant that she was reading a story about a bunch of white men shooting black people. I named the specific child that he said started all this. I asked if she could shed some light on the situation or offer any words of wisdom.
She got right back to me. She was completely baffled. Of course they didn’t read a book like that. There isn’t even a child named Bernard enrolled in the whole school. They do not tolerate any kind of bullying, especially racial bullying.
I know he is getting these ideas from somewhere. Maybe the bus or playground? His mind has warped them and changed them and I have no idea what’s going on.
The school counselor was out today but Erik has an appointment with her tomorrow. She will try to suss out what’s going on–if there was some kernel of reality or if he is having some other sort of issue. I hope she gets more out of him than I get out of him. Today he told me he played with a boy named “Hilarious” all day. Hilarious was apparently his twin.
I have a headache just thinking about these issues. I’m glad I can turn them over to a professional.
bethany actually said,
September 20, 2011 @ 10:22 pm
My mom used to teach preschool, and she always told her parents, “I won’t believe everything your kids tell me about what goes on at home as long as you promise not to believe everything they tell you about what goes on at school!”
I hope the counselor can help figure out what’s up!