I put in a call to Seth's principal this morning to discuss his recent behavior at school; he recently got suspended for fighting. As usual, I get 2 totally different stories from Seth and school admin. Seth claims the other student punched him and he defended himself by pushing him. No, I do not wear blinders and think my son is an angel that can do no wrong! I do, how-ever listen to his side and TRY to believe him or understand what happened. Unfortunately, every time Seth has had an incident at school, no adults have ever witnessed the situation, always one kid’s word against another. Considering, Seth has been in trouble several times at school, he has lost some credibility with me but, when your child says he is being bullied….you have to listen!
Just a little info on Seth’s situation: Anyone who has spent time with Seth knows he is a ball of energy, fun loving, creative and VERY busy! Seth has been on ADHD medication for several years, after trying every “natural” route, Seth being in trouble on a daily (even hourly) basis, we made the decision to put him on medication. This past summer we took him off, not really by choice but, he was no longer covered by my insurance. To our surprise, he was great! The meds kept him on a constant roller coaster of emotions, and either bouncing off the walls or a zombie without much "happy medium". Since coming off the meds he has been his old self (prior to being diagnosed with ADHD) awesome, loving, caring, full of energy & life, happy, helpful…the old Seth!
Then school started….
Not paying attention…Not applying himself….not getting along with others….can’t focus etc…. and now, fighting! We had a conference with his teachers and I was also informed that he was getting picked on and being disruptive, therefore, he couldn’t participate in the group activities. This made me so sad, what happened to my sweet, popular little boy? And....Is he being bullied? Is he the bully? And how do I find out for sure? Whether his behavior is good or bad, he is still my son and it is my job to defend him and protect him.
Today I dropped Seth off at school, he spent the entire drive pouting about not wanting to go and how everyone hated him (He also spent the whole weekend crying and not sleeping at night). As he walked off towards class, I watched him hang his head low and not look up once. He used to always turn back and wave goodbye with a smile on his face.
Now, as I am waiting for a call back from the principal, I started writing down some notes. While writing these notes, I realize what a hypocrite I am being. And I wonder what I am doing to help my son???
I told Seth on the way to school today to try and keep to himself, be quiet, try not to stand out and just get through the day. I’m sitting here now thinking…What am I doing?? Everything I teach my students completely goes against this! We teach our students to “Shine”, “Be YOU”, “Make a statement”
How do I find balance??? Do I turn my big personality, out going kid into a depressed, suppressed introvert??? What does this do for his future? How do I keep him from being too BIG at school?
How do I keep him enjoying life and having hope?
Just a little info on Seth’s situation: Anyone who has spent time with Seth knows he is a ball of energy, fun loving, creative and VERY busy! Seth has been on ADHD medication for several years, after trying every “natural” route, Seth being in trouble on a daily (even hourly) basis, we made the decision to put him on medication. This past summer we took him off, not really by choice but, he was no longer covered by my insurance. To our surprise, he was great! The meds kept him on a constant roller coaster of emotions, and either bouncing off the walls or a zombie without much "happy medium". Since coming off the meds he has been his old self (prior to being diagnosed with ADHD) awesome, loving, caring, full of energy & life, happy, helpful…the old Seth!
Then school started….
Not paying attention…Not applying himself….not getting along with others….can’t focus etc…. and now, fighting! We had a conference with his teachers and I was also informed that he was getting picked on and being disruptive, therefore, he couldn’t participate in the group activities. This made me so sad, what happened to my sweet, popular little boy? And....Is he being bullied? Is he the bully? And how do I find out for sure? Whether his behavior is good or bad, he is still my son and it is my job to defend him and protect him.
Today I dropped Seth off at school, he spent the entire drive pouting about not wanting to go and how everyone hated him (He also spent the whole weekend crying and not sleeping at night). As he walked off towards class, I watched him hang his head low and not look up once. He used to always turn back and wave goodbye with a smile on his face.
Now, as I am waiting for a call back from the principal, I started writing down some notes. While writing these notes, I realize what a hypocrite I am being. And I wonder what I am doing to help my son???
I told Seth on the way to school today to try and keep to himself, be quiet, try not to stand out and just get through the day. I’m sitting here now thinking…What am I doing?? Everything I teach my students completely goes against this! We teach our students to “Shine”, “Be YOU”, “Make a statement”
How do I find balance??? Do I turn my big personality, out going kid into a depressed, suppressed introvert??? What does this do for his future? How do I keep him from being too BIG at school?
How do I keep him enjoying life and having hope?
