Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Color me happy

Children are so perceptive.

Last week, Jack had a bad day at preschool. Whether it was from a lack of sleep or merely the fact that he is almost four and testing out his independence, I don't know. What I do know is that being informed by a teacher that your child was not on his best behavior that day is highly embarrassing.

So yesterday, when I dropped Jack off at preschool, I reminded him how important it was to be a good boy - follow directions, play nicely, etc. He said okay and off he went.

In the meantime, I went to the dollar store and bought Jack a new coloring book. It was a Disney one containing characters like Robin Hood, Peter Pan, Tarzan and Aladdin. If the teacher's report was better, the new coloring book was to serve as a reward, not a bribe (because the gesture was not premeditated).

Luckily, Jack was able to reap the rewards for his behavior and was so excited about his present.

"Mama, these are all good boys - just like me!" (Sadly, I had not thought of this myself when I bought the book.)

3 comments:

Newberry said...

As a parent I know it is only natural to be embarassed when your child has a difficult day; however, from a teacher's standpoint every child has his/her hard days. It sounds to me like Jack is a very sweet boy, not to mention super cute!

Stacey Cannon said...

Awww yea Jack! It is hard on us when our kids don't behave like we'd like them to, but it makes us all the more proud when they do!

Melinda said...

Jill - thank you so much for giving me the teacher's perspective. I can't tell you how much better that makes me feel - really! And yes, Jack is a very sweet boy. I have to constantly remind myself that he is not even four yet and that it is ME who expects too much out of him.

Stacey - I couldn't agree more.