Tuesday, September 8, 2009

I Know Connor


Last night, Connor slept on the couch.

Connor slept on the couch because, "when you can't treat your sisters with respect and leave them alone to go to sleep, then you don't get to sleep with them."

After Connor was finally asleep, I asked Kendon, "what is going on with our sweet little Connor Man? Is he suddenly reaching the terrible twos, at five?"

I went to sleep wondering what we could be doing differently with Connor. Does he need more attention or less? Maybe he needs more reinforcement or possibly we are being too hard on him. Is this a phase or do I need to brace myself for a long haul? After laying there for a while I did know one thing for sure, I better get to sleep because tomorrow was a new day and that doesn't always mean a better one. But, at least he has pre-school. Ah.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After dropping him off at school and heading home my cell phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number but after saying, "hello," I recognized the familiar voice. Connor's teacher. Mrs. Jill. I immediately panicked and thought the worst. I knew I hadn't dropped him off sick, he had his bookbag, it's not show and tell day. That left only one other option; he was in trouble, already.

Mrs. Jill said that she wanted to talk to me when I dropped Connor off, but since there were other mothers standing there she didn't feel it would be appropriate. I really just wanted her to get on with it, so I could turn around to pick him back up, if needs be. Finally she did say it. And this is what she said.

She knows that she shouldn't have favorites but every year she does. And right now, Connor is her favorite. She said that he is so kind and respectful and a great example to the other kids. She said that he is adorable and sweet and that she just loves him to pieces.

Mrs. Jill could not have called on a better day. I was so thrilled to hear her say these things about my son and ashamed at the same time. While Connor has only been in her class one day and she might not really know who Connor is yet, I sure do. I know that Mrs. Jill is right. I know that Connor is a sweet kid with a really good heart. I know Connor is mellow by nature and his fits and tantrums don't make him who he is. I know that Connor is a kid who tries to do what is right but is learning where the boundaries are and how he might push those boundaries. I know that Connor is a good kid who needs a mom who will have a little more faith in him and who will always know and remember who he is.

Thanks for the reminder, Mrs Jill.

16 comments:

Annemarie said...

Mrs. Jill needs a plate of cookies or some flowers ASAP. How great of her to do that. I love it when someone can make your day like that!!

catharooni said...

will connor get his own room someday? not a fix it all, but maybe a fix it some??

Grandma W. said...

My goodness!! He is a normal boy, brother, etc., etc.! Not to worry, Honey, as he is just fine!
He just has to be a bothersome brother once in a while, and I think you will particularly notice it due to the fact he and Sirri are so close to the same age. I don't think you have any worries because you teach him all the right things!! We love you, Connor, but do keep your sweet side out at home too!
We love you all!!

Kim said...

well, DUH--of course he's her favorite!!! look at that face!!!

Love you connor man!! love you to pieces!

diane said...

What a sweet post. Sometimes others can give us perspective about our kids.

Great kid with a good teacher.

Hazen5 said...

I love those kind of Tender Mercies! You are so lucky to have that sweet boy. He is a cutie!

the wrath of khandrea said...

can you give ms. jill my phone number? my son's name is keola.

thanks.

Lauren in GA said...

I love Mrs. Jill.

That is so great. It seems to happen to me, too...my kids have me at my wits end and then a teacher at school or a Primary teacher will praise them and I am so grateful and blown away.

Is the, having him sleep on the couch a love and logic tactic? That was SUCH a great idea.

Connor is awesome and so are you.

robin said...

that is an AWESOME story. i love it.

Laurel said...

Hmmm...I could use a call from Griffin's teacher about now. But I know him, too. Thanks for the reminder. (But if he gets one more yellow card at a school, I swear...) :0)

Rochelleht said...

I LOVE it when those moments happen. They are always worse for us. It's natural. But it's so nice when they go out into the world and act like little ladies and gentlemen. Our kids are having a great year, too.

cindy. said...

what a stud.

thanks for sharing, lis. that makes me proud of the little man!

Ilene said...

I needed to hear that too.

My little five year old is grumpy, grumpy, grumpy. He doesn't like to talk about school and acts like he doesn't really like it. Today one of my friends was helping in their classroom and said Jackson was happy and having fun. It was so good to hear that.

Now, let me know if you figure out how to get them to act that way at home...

Dustin and Shelli Chambers said...

I'm right there with you with Hudson. It's such a roller coaster ride with them, right? Conner is seriously CUTE, though, and that sure helps...

cindy. said...

i know i have no room to talk, but . . .

i wish you blogged more.

i miss my cute nieces and nephews. a lot.

Jessica said...

Glad someone likes him, right?! =)