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.
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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.