Naughty or Nice?

Most people who know Lucas, know him to be rather calm and sweet. He acts shy around people he doesn't know, yet he makes friends easily. Most people can't fathom the naughty, ungrateful, sibling provoking, trouble making, mess enhancer child that we at the Harris household has come to know and love. You may catch a small glimpse of what I go through with him if you happen to call at the time of day when Luke is to be doing his simple chore, but refusing with a loud fit. Don't get me wrong, I love Lucas to pieces...I even smile at some of his naughty behaviors. But he has his days when I wish that I could wring his neck without the fear of going to jail for child abuse. Like the other day, I was really excited to tell him that his aunt Laurie and I set up his plane ticket to visit Laurie in Georgia from July 4th-July 10th. He was thrilled of course, but to my dismay, later that evening he was bragging to Traedon that he was going to Georgia for 20 days! I calmly corrected him, and told him that it was more like 7 days. He then became outraged and acted like I had cut his trip short by 13 days just to spite him. He exclaimed, "You always do this to me, mom!" Ok, yeah, I always send him on trips clear across the country, but yank him out early to make him mad. I was shocked by his ungrateful attitude and his behavior after Laurie and I spent a butt-load of cash so he can have a wonderful summer. He continued to cry at how unjust I was, because BrieOcea got to see Laurie for 2 weeks. Finally he calmed down, and said that he was grateful and happy, and that he was sorry and will be nice. But then the following day he acted like that whole scene didn't happen, and that he was going to Georgia for 20 days! I thought he was trying to be funny, but I wasn't sure...so I corrected him again, and told him that it is only 7 days. He then threw the exact same fit as the day before! I seriously wondered if there was something seriously mental with this kid! I was flabbergasted, and told him that the trip was called off, and that he was grounded for the foreseeable future. Since then, he has actually been conscious of his behavior and attitude. I can really tell that he is trying to change his behavior at home, so I guess that the trip is still on. I hate making empty threats.

Believe it or not, I am posting today to let the world know how proud I am of my guy, Lucas. I received a letter from his school teacher. He was the only one in the class to receive a letter in a mysterious envelope addressed to the parents. All of his classmates wanted him to open it to see what it was, but he brought it to me unopened. I have to admit that I was worried! He has always been really good in school, but he seems to be getting worse at home...so I wouldn't be surprised if his naughtiness overlapped at school. I opened the letter, and it seemed to confirm my worse suspicions...at first. This is how it reads:

Dear Jamie,

As teachers we are required throughout the school year to document all our interactions with misbehaving students, our different strategies to control their actions, and dealings with the parents. We are also asked to keep records & grades, and teach responsibility, manners, and ethics to students whose parents don't teach it themselves. In all this, truly wonderful kids like your son are lost in the shuffle and not given the recognition and praise they deserve.

I am writing in appreciation for Lucas, one of the wonderful kids in my class. He has been an exceptional example in behavior and responsibility. I have seen your son offer help to others who are struggling, look up when I ask for attention, walk in quietly and get to work, and respectfully do the work expected of him in class. I feel like Lucas has always done the best that is expected, and nothing was ever turned in dishonestly done.

In today's classroom, your child is exceptional. There are many problems for both teachers and good students to deal with, but your son has all the characteristics of success and happiness. As Lucas leaves me in a week I will miss his willingness to help me and others and his wonderful attitude for learning. I urge you to continue to be involved with your child in the educations process; this is the thing that is making the difference! And so, you see, this is the reason why I am feeling so much appreciation for you, as well as Lucas.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Redd

Man, I am almost in tears again! It is nice for a mom to hear such nice things about her child, especially when she is at the end of her rope with said child. Sorry this post is so lengthy, but I am sure all you moms understand how nice it is to be able to share your children's accomplishments with the people that you love.