Petty Theft

Well, first of all, I think we all probably experienced this as a child (not jail, but "petty theft"). Stealing a pack of gum at the grocery store, taking something without permission, etc.

Yesterday, we got home from school and Ethan pulled out of his pocket a little plastic monkey. I didn't recognize it and asked him where he got it. He told me that he got it from school. I asked him if his teachers told him it was ok to bring it home and he gave me a blank, guilty look and said "ummm....ummmm....I don't know". After a brief chat with Daddy, we decided to teach him this lesson early nip it in the bud right away. We sat him down and explained that taking something that doesn't belong to you is stealing. It would have been ok if he had the teacher's permission, but he didn't. He cried and told us he was sorry and he wouldn't ever do that again.

SO.....this morning when I took the boys to school, I made him walk up to his teacher, give her the monkey, tell her what he had done and say he is sorry. I got the feeling this has happened with other kids before, because she handled it, in my opinion, perfectly. She told him she accepts his apology and thanked him for telling her and bringing it back. She reiterated how important it is to never take anything that doesn't belong to you unless you have permission.

We hope he learned his lesson. He was brave to face the teacher (and us) and tell the truth, and for that, we're very proud. Hopefully it made a lasting impression on him and this won't ever happen again.

Teaching our kids to do the right thing and be honest when you've done wrong or made a mistake is, in my opinion, one of life's most important lessons. I pray that we handled it right!

Young Love

Well, it seems that this whole "young love" thing starts really, really early (especially for girls). Apparently, there are several girls in the boys' Montessori class at school (all 4 and 5 year olds) that say they "love" one of the boys and that they are going to marry them.

It turns out, Sascha, one of John's friends at school, has proclaimed her love for him and announced at circle time that she is going to marry John. Of course, Ethan has decided to tease John in the annoying "John's got a girlfriend, John's got a girlfriend...neener neener neener" type tone. I asked John what she says and he told me "she tells me she loves me all the time - I like her Mom and she's my friend, but she says we have to get married". I explained to him that he's 4 and doesn't need to be worrying about getting married...it's ok to just be her friend. Curiously, I asked him "what do you say when she tells you she loves you" and he said "NOTHING....I say nothing".

Yesterday on the drive home from school, John asked me if I would help him made a mermaid when we get home. He then said "Sascha loves mermaids...she'd really love it". How could I turn down my boy? So, I drew out a mermaid and cut it out. He colored it and then put it in an envelope....I helped him write her name on it and he wrote "from John". This morning at school he was so excited to give it to her and I only wish I had my camera (or better yet my video camera to capture Sascha's reaction). She absolutely GUSHED and said "oh Johnny....thank you"...then she hugged him and began to show the mermaid to EVERYONE and refused to put it in her cubby because she wanted to carry it with her all day.

Obviously it's harmless and very innocent, but am I crazy, or is 4 YEARS OLD a little young for this?!?

John - our little Romeo....

Mommyhood

I make mistakes being a Mom...sometimes more mistakes than I would like to admit. But, I will always be there for you, to hear you, to cheer you, to laugh or cry with you, to protect you with my life, and to love you for eternity with all my heart. No one will ever love you more or more unconditionally than I will, I'm your Mom after all :).

I'm not Supermom....far from it, but I sure try hard. I love you to the moon and back.