Like Mother, Like Son

We all know that CW  is a smaller version of his father. He walks, talks, plays, and even laughs like him. Imagine my (slight) disappointment. I would like my son to have some of my traits too. And as soon as I was beginning to lose hope my son begins to remind me of ME!

In the past week, I have seen the dramatic side of CW. (Anyone who knows me should know that I am dramatic). When he goes to the daycare at the gym, he begins his day by dropping dead. Yes, my son enters the room and falls to the ground. He stays there for a minute or so, then gets up and runs to play Mario (a video game they have at the center). Most importantly, my son showed the "true actor" in him when he cut his bottom toe. This guy put on a show for the masses. He began screaming "I hurt my toe. It hurts so  bad. What am I going to do?". When I began to bandage the cut, he states, "Mommy, this hurts really bad. This is too much pain. I can't bare it. I can't do anything. I'm gonna just sit here and wait for the pain to go away.". (I barely touched it and he began wailing in misery). Throughout the entire process I thought, "This is something I would say and do as a kid.".


Another trait that is similar: LOVE FOR NEEDLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
As a child I loved going to the doctor's office, especially if it meant that I would receive a shot. I loved watching the nurse prepare the needle, finding a suitable vein, entering the needle into the vein, and watching the blood go up into the tube. (I know...I was a weird little kid). CW loves the entire process too. At the allergist on Friday, I thought he would be petrified of the needle, but he wasn't. He just watched the nurse do her job. My son didn't flinch. He didn't even think about crying. I was so proud!!!!!!!!!!

So, yes my son is a mini version of his father, BUT he does have some of my traits AND I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!

 

"I DON'T READ, Ma'am" UPDATE

During the middle of summer school I was highly worried about one of my students who refused to read or write. The only thing he would do was  draw (ALL DAY LONG). Well, summer camp ended August 3rd and I am proud to say that I accomplished what I thought was the impossible.


By the end of the summer, this student was able to write his first name, recognize letters and numbers, and wanted to practice writing his letters and numbers. HE is the bright spot of my summer. After being slapped in the face by a four year old, told to shut up, a few colds, and lack of sleep, at least I can say I accomplished one good thing for one student.


I would like to thank everyone who gave me suggestions and feedback on how to help this student. This being able to accomplish so much in 6 weeks is why I became a teacher in the first place.

First Blog Post:
http://thelifeofateacherandmother.blogspot.com/2012/07/i-dont-read-maam.html

Daddy CAN Curse

This morning CW and I were listening to the radio when one of the DJs said the word "ass". Immediately, CW says, "That's a bad word. You aren't suppose to say bad words. It's bad to curse." I was elated that he knows what to say, but the next few comments were shocking.

Here is the conversation:

Me: Yes, CW! You are not suppose to curse.
CW: It's bad to curse. I am not going to curse, BUT daddy can curse.
Me: Why is it okay for daddy to curse?
CW: Daddy can curse when he wants. He likes to curse. He is the only person who can curse.
Me: Can mommy curse?
CW: No. Only daddy when he wants to. He likes to curse. He's good at it. (Begins to laugh hysterically)


I didn't have a response. I didn't even know what to say. The good side: He knows he shouldn't curse and he will get into trouble if he does. The bad side: He thinks that it is okay for his daddy to curse whenever. (MAYBE IT'S NOT A BAD THING)


This conversation with my son demonstrated how much CW idolizes and respects his father and his actions. I am glad that he has a male role model and wants to be like him. (Even though, CW is already a MINI HIM)

Are YOU Serious??? Pt. 3

Why would a child think this type of abuse is okay?



https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=3581411693187

Swimming Disappointment

I can barely swim. In fact I didn't even learn to swim until I was 22. I know that if I had to swim for my life most likely I will die. I don't really like to get in pools or oceans for this reason.You may say that I am afraid of the water.


Because of my lack of experience swimming I have been adamant about CW learning to swim ASAP. Last year, we took a Mommy and Me class, Level 1 class, then Level 2. When he didn't pass Level 2, I decided to stop swimming lessons because I didn't think he was ready for it. Rather than trying to learn the techniques, he was splashing other kids with water, trying to play with the duck. Basically, everything he wasn't suppose to do.


This summer I decided it was time to try again. He is older and focuses a LITTLE BIT more. CW began swimming lessons about six weeks ago. These classes have been interesting. Sometimes he pays attention with no problems throughout the 30 minutes. Other times he is too busy trying to splash himself and the instructor because he thinks it is funny. Overall, his behavior has been better this time around.


He retook the Level 2 class and I had high hope s he would pass. But I was wrong. CW didn't even care today. He wanted to play in the water, especially with the noodles. CW failed because he couldn't float on his front or back for 5 seconds. Ironically, last year he was able to float on his front and only failed by one technique: floating on back. (Which wasn't a surprise because since he was born he hasn't liked being put on his back.)


So, now he has to take Level 2 for the THIRD time. I hope that he passes and moves on to Level 3. I hate seeing my child fail.

The Child That NEVER STOPS EATING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With the child obesity epidemic in America, I am extremely careful what I feed my son. I don't want him to become another statistic, but most importantly I don't want him to have health problems that CAN BE prevented. But my question is how do you feed a child who is always hungry?


CW eats ALL day long. Every 1-2 hours he is ready for a meal. (Sometimes after he finishes eating a meal he is still hungry). For example, it is only 11:40 and my son has eaten the following:


Breakfast: Orange Juice, Grapes, Orange, Two blueberry muffins, White Milk, Cheerios, and Slice of Lemon

Lunch: Turkey Sandwich, Strawberries, Popcorn, Chocolate Milk, Salad with dressing, Peaches, and Applesauce

(He was still hungry after lunch)

Are these normal eating behaviors? My son's teacher is surprised that he can eat so much and then want more.

I just know that he continues to eat me out of house and home.



SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!! Part 3: Hitting, Pushing, and Kicking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last week, I was slapped in the face by a student. He was suspended from camp until Friday. His parents reprimanded him in front of the class. But, on his return he hit a teacher assistant and had to be reprimanded again.

After all the bad behavior he demonstrated last week, can you believe he came to camp with brand new Jordans? Yes, the Jordans that came out on 7/20. I am thinking it doesn't matter what this boy does he will get what he wants when he wants it.   Now I understand why he says, "No!!!" and "Shut up" when he doesn't get his way. HE IS SPOILED ROTTEN AND WHEN HE DOESN'T GET HIS WAY HE HAS A TANTRUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, I am not surprise today when he got into trouble and went ABSOLUTELY CRAZY. He pushed another student into the water fountain. He told an assistant to shut up as he tried to kick him. Then, he ran around the building screaming "LEAVE ME ALONE!" to the Dean of Students.


I don't blame him for his actions. He doesn't know better. If I was his age I would do whatever I wanted if I knew that I would get whatever I wanted. He doesn't understand that there are repercussions for specific behaviors AND he WON'T LEARN until his parents teach him.


Dealing with this child has taught me to be consistent with my son and give him consequences for bad behavior. I don't want my son to be anything like this little boy. I want to ensure my son knows that there are consequences for some of your actions. This whole experience has been enlightening.