Day 986: Go Back To Preschool

The photos from yesterday were so fun, i just might keep sharing them for a while.

Okay friends, I am at a loss.

Since Darling A joined our family, Little M has been getting increasingly violent.  It got really bad at the end of the summer because he wasn't getting the discipline that he needed.  Not that I blame his grandma--discipline is no fun.  Plus, he's a tricky one and I'm constantly having to re-tailor my techniques.

But, I've kind of stalled out here.  I have no clue how to motivate this boy to be good when we are apart for several hours of the day.  Every day the kids come home with more stories of who he has hurt.  This is challenging on multiple fronts--the foremost being that since I'm not there, I'm sure I'm not getting a fully truthful account.  But also, Sweet P has been his victim multiple times, along with her friends, and the neighbor girl.  So, I don't think his actions are being reported as they normally would, so he's not getting in trouble at school.  At least, as far as I know.  And he has more than a little bit of a fibbing problem, so I really can't trust what he says.

Urg!  This is so frustrating!  I'm seriously starting to question whether, or not he's truly ready for school.  He is definitely smart enough, but I don't know if he has the self control.  Kindergarten is all day here, so it's a really long time and I know he's tired and that is making it harder for him.  I'm not super worried about him seriously injuring someone.  I'm mostly worried about the reputation he is making for himself, both with the teachers and with his fellow students.  I never thought I'd be the mom of a bully.

Does anyone have any advice for how to help him?  It's always a matter of finding the right motivation that works best for this boy.  But I'm worried that the school day is just too long for him to go without any reminders or interventions from me.

And I'm pretty sure his teacher would frown on me popping in every 20 minutes to remind him that he really is a good boy.

Although, right now, I'm even struggling to remember this.  He is driving me absolutely crazy!  After he gets home, he spends the rest of the day bugging everyone, being mean, and disobeying.

So, any help would be appreciated!

Fortunately, before he came home, we had plenty of Joyful Moments.  More snuggles and smiles and coos with my Darling A.  Reading and snuggling with Baby B before naps.  Being able to my three one-mile repeats a good 30-45 seconds faster than I thought I could.  Being able to watch my friend's little boy so she could go to her doctor's appointment toddler-free.  Researching raw milk and grass finished beef and discovering that we have a decent supply of local producers.  And a fired up discussion with HH about implementing these products into our diet. (c:

Wishing you all Joyful Moments and peaceful afternoons!