Sep 27, 2011

The Principal Problem

Did you know that you can get sent to the principal in preschool?

Well, apparently you can and it took my son less than two weeks to figure out how to accomplish this feat. Bet you’re jealous because my kid is so advanced!

I was hoping this was a milestone we could avoid…you know, to at least kindergarten.

Our transition to a five morning a week prekindergarten preschool class has been rocky to say the least. (He went three mornings a week last year so we added two extra mornings this year– which is standard operating procedure around these parts. )

My son has always been an active, stereotypical boy, but he has never been aggressive. Well, check that, he has never BEFORE been aggressive. This morning he hit a couple of kids on the playground and then kicked somebody at snack time.

Honestly, I’m really frustrated and not sure what to do.

We talk and talk and talk about this stuff. I take away privileges, I give time outs, I take away toys…I really am trying here. My little man hasn’t watched TV in a week and there have been very few treats of any kind around here. I try my best to balance out the negative with lots of positive reinforcement, hugs and kisses and all that good stuff.

Despite the substantial evidence to the contrary, he hasn’t been raised by wolves. He has a mother who cares and who is busting her behind.

I think we could all do with a time out this week.

14 comments:

Sprite's Keeper said...

That stinks. I hope it eases up soon.

Sprite's Keeper said...

That stinks. I hope it eases up soon.

Mercy D'souza said...

My son is also in preschool and does similar stuff. It is a phase all kids go through. They don't yet know how to express their emotions verbally so they get physical. Aside from explaining that it is wrong, there isn't much more you can do, especially since you aren't there when the incidents happen and don't know if he was provoked or upset or something like that. Sometimes kids lash out at others just to see what happens.
Unless he is seriously injuring the other children, I don't see why he would be sent to the principal, unless the teacher doesn't want to deal with it. All kids hit and kick at some time. It will pass eventually.

Mark said...

Now when I have kids I have something for them to aim for, two weeks. Hope he calms down soon.

Sandee said...

Yikes, I hope he gets through this soon. You can raise a child in the path you want him to follow, but ultimately he'll find his own path.

Have a terrific day. :)

blueviolet said...

I so wish I had some advice for you. I suppose he's having a tough time adjusting to school and that's his way of reacting. I hope it ends soon. I'm sorry.

Andrea said...

It must have been the day for it! My son, 9, was hit by a kid on the bus yesterday so he hit him back. First time ever that he got in trouble. So I get the pleasure of driving him to and from school today because he got a one day suspension from the bus. Do you know how insanely ridiculous the car pick up line is? Agh.

Good luck. I'd say there must be a kid in school who's acting rough and that's where he's getting it from.

Formerly known as Frau said...

I think at that age boys will be boys and it's nothing more than that. I think as long as he knows the rules and consequences than it's all you can do. Just be consistent and follow through. You are a great Monday... some days it is what it is...don't beat yourself up.

Jenners said...

Well, it is a dubious accomplishment to be sure. It is hard at that age because they can't really articulate why they are doing that stuff. Does the teacher have any insight about what might have been happening beforehand? Good luck. I wish I had better advice for you but my child was a "law and order" type. He never did stuff like that … thank goodness.

AndreaLeigh said...

i so know how you are feeling. apparently cooper is a "problem biter" at daycare and they are "keeping a close watch on the situation." AKA they are going to kick him out if he doesn't stop.

I am at my wit's end!

Grumpy Grateful Mom said...

Sounds like your son just had a bad day. It's hard to know what to do sometimes. I'll send a prayer out your way. :)

Jen As Herself said...

I may sound like Super Nanny (and I'm sorry for that) - just stay consistent. It sounds like you're doing the very best things.

Also, give yourself a little break this weekend. Whatever it is that you like to relax with or indulge in - do it, because you totally deserve it.

Mom of 12 said...

All kids have stuff. don't let it worry you too much. It will all work out.
Sandy

Natalie said...

Ugh...no fair! I didn't think that could even happen in preschool!