Two weeks ago when I picked Benjamin up from school, one of his teachers met me at the door.
"I need to talk to you about Benjamin," she said. Uh-oh. Those are usually not the words you want to hear as a parent. I braced myself.
"He's not bad or anything. He isn't hitting other kids or anything like that," she started out. Well, that's good, right? I relaxed a tiny bit.
"It's just that, well, he's the leader of the class," she continued. Really? The leader? I'd be lying if I didn't swell with pride at that moment. My kid, the leader! So, uh, what's the problem here? Leading is good, yes?
"We like that he's the leader and all, and most of the time it's great...the kids all do what he says..." (Yes! That's my boy!) "...but last week a new student came into the class and Benjamin decided he didn't like him, so now none of the other children will play with this new little boy." Oh. There's the problem. I quickly deflated.
The teacher pointed out the snack table, where the children were currently chowing down. Sure enough, my sweet little "leader" was surrounded by a gaggle of kids, laughing and goofing off, while a lone little boy sat at the other end of the table, quietly finishing his snack. My heart broke for him. I've always been a sucker for the underdog, but it hurt even worse knowing it was my own flesh and blood that shunned this little guy.
I told the teacher that I would talk to Benjamin about the situation and then directed him to personally go say goodbye to the little boy in question. As we left, I couldn't decide what to feel. Proud that we had a little leader? Or horrified that he was using his power for evil?
Well, I'm happy to say that after many discussions and prayers for both my child and the new boy, the two of them successfully played with each other last week. Friday was his last day of school and he came home with report cards from all of his teachers. Here is what each of them said about Benjamin:
"Very funny and had improved manners."
"Loves being social, has an outgoing personality. He is a very polite child."
"Loved his big personality and he got along with all the other kids very well."
"A shy warm hearted little one and loved to play with others. He liked to be the leader."
"Likes to use his imagination in dramatic play."
"Very sweet kid, loves imaginary play."
"Benjamin was probably the most social kid here. In the beginning, he didn't want to do some of the activities, but now he listens very well. He is so fun to be around."
"Is the leader of the group and friends with everyone."
"He came in happy and ready to learn. He made everyone his friend."
"Very nice and friendly."
"He was very playful and fun. He learned to behave and make friends."
"Not very shy."
I think that last one summed it up pretty nicely, don't you? :)
"I need to talk to you about Benjamin," she said. Uh-oh. Those are usually not the words you want to hear as a parent. I braced myself.
"He's not bad or anything. He isn't hitting other kids or anything like that," she started out. Well, that's good, right? I relaxed a tiny bit.
"It's just that, well, he's the leader of the class," she continued. Really? The leader? I'd be lying if I didn't swell with pride at that moment. My kid, the leader! So, uh, what's the problem here? Leading is good, yes?
"We like that he's the leader and all, and most of the time it's great...the kids all do what he says..." (Yes! That's my boy!) "...but last week a new student came into the class and Benjamin decided he didn't like him, so now none of the other children will play with this new little boy." Oh. There's the problem. I quickly deflated.
The teacher pointed out the snack table, where the children were currently chowing down. Sure enough, my sweet little "leader" was surrounded by a gaggle of kids, laughing and goofing off, while a lone little boy sat at the other end of the table, quietly finishing his snack. My heart broke for him. I've always been a sucker for the underdog, but it hurt even worse knowing it was my own flesh and blood that shunned this little guy.
I told the teacher that I would talk to Benjamin about the situation and then directed him to personally go say goodbye to the little boy in question. As we left, I couldn't decide what to feel. Proud that we had a little leader? Or horrified that he was using his power for evil?
Well, I'm happy to say that after many discussions and prayers for both my child and the new boy, the two of them successfully played with each other last week. Friday was his last day of school and he came home with report cards from all of his teachers. Here is what each of them said about Benjamin:
"Very funny and had improved manners."
"Loves being social, has an outgoing personality. He is a very polite child."
"Loved his big personality and he got along with all the other kids very well."
"A shy warm hearted little one and loved to play with others. He liked to be the leader."
"Likes to use his imagination in dramatic play."
"Very sweet kid, loves imaginary play."
"Benjamin was probably the most social kid here. In the beginning, he didn't want to do some of the activities, but now he listens very well. He is so fun to be around."
"Is the leader of the group and friends with everyone."
"He came in happy and ready to learn. He made everyone his friend."
"Very nice and friendly."
"He was very playful and fun. He learned to behave and make friends."
"Not very shy."
I think that last one summed it up pretty nicely, don't you? :)
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