Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Teacher vs. dad vs. mom

So I just got "another" call from one of by beloved son's teachers. It was not a happy mommy moment for me because it wasn't one of those, "your kids great calls. It was more, "he just doesn't seem too interested in school calls." Maybe it's because I'm a teacher myself, maybe it's because my boys go to a private school where my family is very involved... maybe it's just pride- but for whatever reason... calls like that just kill me.

Let me just say, HE GETS IT FROM HIS FATHER... ! And Tony will be the first to say that, albeit with a grin on his face.

My son also has his father's talent for sports, and right now couldn't be a better time to use baseball as an incentive to get his act together in school, right? Well, that depends on who you ask. But, since I'm the mom... I think it's a perfect plan. Apparently, his teacher, teammates, and coach/dad... they're not so sure.

Tony talked to the teacher that morning (he just happened to be there working in the kinder class with Caden), and told her that he'd "talk to him about being better." He apparently didn't get the message clear enough for dad, because he got in more trouble later on that day. By the time I talked to his teacher at about 3:45, I let her know that he wouldn't be going to his 11-12 year old team practice from 4-6, and furthermore... at his game that started at 7 he would be sitting in the stands with me. (She could hear the crying already... so she ever-so-graciously says, "Mrs. Mac, he was 1 of 6 kids that had a rough day today - and you're the only parent that's punishing your child."

and that matters because??? Well, my son's just lucky I guess; because HE knows better.

Well, coach daddy had A REALLY hard time grasping the concept of his "star player" missing any game time.

As luck would have it, his brand new bat came in the mail today and it 'was really important that he had a chance to use it at practice today." Sorry hon, not today!

Game time came... daddy comes to the stands... "um, have you decided if I can put him in the line-up? Rachel, It's really not fair to the team for him not to play in this game."

hmmmm. Dear, he's 9. He'll live, I know this is taking years off your life... but truly- not starting in 1 game will not kill him! And after all, this is about what's best for him!

Out of love for my darling, I did let my son eventually go in the game... after writing an ever-so-sweet "kiss-up letter" to Mrs. S assuring her that he "would be a stellar student until the end of the season." (He meant til the end of the year, I'm just sure of it!).

To which, coach daddy was SO happy, as he did wind up winning the game for his team!
"Yep, he might not be the best student Rae-- but boy did you see that boy hit and pitch tonight"


AHHHH.... and with that wonderful thinking dear, don't be surprised if YOU have to talk to his teacher again (because, it kills me)!

8 comments:

Bad Momma said...

If you don't follow through once in a while with a threat or punishment, the kids won't take you seriously.

Sometimes you have to hit them where it hurts to get their attention. I find that taking away Saturday morning cartoons works well with my boys.

Awesome tough love! You go girl!

The Joys of having Boys said...

Hey, I'm glad you commented on my blog so that I could find yours. Your boys look older than mine so I can read up on what I have to look forward too :)

.jimaie.marie. said...

i have to admit that when i read this i cringed at his punishment but only b/c i remember like it was yesterday my mom taking away those things that were EVER so important to me, so that i could learn my lessons.
it's hard to be tough, but i think you totally made the right decision. I love reading your blog b/c you have double my trouble and you're prepping me for the future ;)
ya done good mama!

Jenny said...

Good job, Rachel *patting you on the back*. I always struggle to find a meaningful punishment any more. Our kids are so overloaded with media...if I say "no tv" they still have the computer...if I say "no tv or computer" they have Nintendo DS. Erik and I started saying no to all 3 activities at the same time! If they were into a sport I would TOTALLY use that!!!

3boys247 said...

Rachel,

Thanks for the comment on my blog. I love your line, "4 boys..we got it right every time." Can I borrow it?

I love the boy blog links too, we need to stick together.

After our third boy ultrasound, the car radio was playing "This one's for the girls," I cried all the way home. But now I wouldn't change a thing!

4funboys said...

thanks moms...I've been doubting that decision- but just because it was harder on Tony than on A.

Becky @ BoysRuleMyLife said...

Wow! What a great post - I'm not their yet with my boys, as they are much younger, but I know we're going to have days like this, too!

I'll be back! I think I've got some great things to learn from you!

Thanks for stopping by my blog! I hope you'll come back and participate in next Friday's "Healing" - I'm sure you're boys have had a couple of bumps and bruises along the way? :)

Tammy said...

I think you did a great job. You have to show boys you mean it. I think it would be hard to be a teacher and get a call from one of your kid's teachers. Thanks for visiting my blog. I really liked your blog and your boy's are very cute. I noticed you like to scrapbook, a word from some one who messed up. Keep the books up to date because doing it just before the graduation party is hard!.