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Gone Awol

Dear Mom,

Today I lied to (insert teacher's name) and told her I was an Early Bird. I went to (insert after school program) instead of going back to class. I did it because I don't like being a Late Bird. I'm sorry I won't do it again.

Love,
Jalia


Its moments like this when I tend to have the most questions. What the hell was she thinking? Why would she do a thing like this? Why would she do this to "me"? Am I doing something wrong as a parent? Is there really such a thing as being too damn smart for your own good?

I was absolutely speechless when I read this letter. She has NEVER done anything like this before. I do know that she isn't always fond of school because she gets bored easily, but I really didn't expect her to construct a drawn out plan to cut class at age 6 1/2! At the very least, there has NOT been a dull moment this school year. If it isn't the teacher feeling the need to psychoanalyze Miss J, its Miss J fighting for the need to assert herself/her opinions/her desires/her dislikes/her independence. Her thought process is obviously on another level and I guess I just really need to take my head outta my ass and stop being in denial about the fact that she is blossoming into a tween. God I hate that word, or maybe its just that stage, because its so marked. The box around "tween girl" starts waaaay too young in my opinion. Thanks to marketing and popular culture, its not even really a phase of life, but rather, a business.

Now comes the process of signing off as an acknowledgment that I read the letter, and then my task of applying my comments to it in response to this hot mess. I'm still rather speechless, and so was she. She couldn't seem to tell me the why's beyond what was said in the letter.

Every new day with kids brings a new experience...

*tries to remind self of the name of the book and journal set that Mrs. Allen-Mercado uses to tame better understand her new tween*

Has your youngster ever had the balls to go awol from school? Or from a friend's house?

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 02, 2010 and is filed under , , . You can leave a response and follow any responses to this entry through the Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom) .
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7 comments

Beauty in Rare Form  
February 2, 2010 at 1:48 AM

That's scary simply because she wasn't where she was supposed to be during the time she was supposed to be there. I guess we need to find out what it is about that particular schedule she is not fond of. She is feeling strongly about it, from the sounds of it so it needs to be tended to. She articulated so well - like only Jalia can do. She is definitely your daughter.

That whole Tween thing...not quite sure what that's all about, but WE will find out soon enough with Babygirlz ::sheesh:: not quite ready myself...

T.Allen  
February 2, 2010 at 8:30 AM

Mom version: Go to the school and sit in, get the what's what on who/why she is disliking this current schedule or school in general. Make sure you understand her feelings even if you do not agree with her actions.

Veteran Mom version: All children begin flexing the power of language muscle (also known as the lie) at this age. Suddenly, with their grasp of words and reading they come to realize that these words open doors, they aren't just for sentences on a page and the lying starts...and does it ever. The good thing is, as long as you keep your word and remain consistent it will end around age 8. If you can keep your head screwed on that long! (Hugs Barbara and gives Jalia the side eye)

T.Allen  
February 2, 2010 at 8:32 AM

Ta da
http://www.enchantedself.com/exploreenchantment/books/reviews-the-truth-im-a-girl-im-smart-and-i-know-everything.pdf

Barbara  
February 2, 2010 at 12:44 PM

@ Traci and T: Yeah, I had to explain to her that you just can't NOT be where you are suppose to be because the teachers are responsible for EVERYONE and its scary and dangerous when you can't find a child. I think her dislike is more with school in general because she gets bored =/. She gets bored with the whole classroom routine. I work with her at home on things she likes to do, but the girl is into playing these days, and I think she felt that she should play rather than be in class. I'm like, "uhhh... no. Can't do that", lol. There was a consequence to lying and scaring people. She lost the privilege to go bowling, which she had been working toward earning this this week. Now she has to start all over again to earn her outing.

Yes Traci, get ready for the tween thing with Babygirlz... that whole thing you described at Jinho's game? That was a classic Tween moment!! There is something similar for boys, but its more of a cultural/masculinity thing than a marketing campaign like for girls. Gonna need to blog about it to explain what I mean.

Tameka. Thank you! My response in the note was that I'd be in the classroom tomorrow morning volunteering and then, back on Friday as an observer, peeping the scene! I never really jump to a full conclusion because I know that school can be a stressful place. I just don't want her to be labeled as "that" kid, so I'm on it.

Thanks so much for the link to the book!! And, you mean to tell me that I have 2 more years of these stunts??!! =)

Anonymous  
February 3, 2010 at 8:25 PM

Sounds like the Lil One is just testing her newfound ability to say things and do another. A gentle reminder will put her back on the "scraight" and narrow. :)

*Tanyetta*  
February 5, 2010 at 8:39 AM

What can be done to make sure something like this never happens again? I am taking notes.

p.s. She is quite the genius. :)

*Tanyetta*  
February 5, 2010 at 8:39 AM

Question! Did you find out by her telling you OR did the teacher tell you? If you found out by her telling you first then that's a good thing. She trusts that she can come to tell you things. NO matter if she's going to get in trouble or not. right? i think :O right :)

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