But, really the day was about Jonah. Jonah had taken his day off yesterday. Quick aside, I made contracts with all my kids this year that they could take a "brain break" day, and just have the day for no other reason than they just need a day. So, Jonah took the day off, and we played some card games and went to cuppayo and watched a movie together. Today, however, was not that day, but when he woke up he didn't want to go to school today either.
First, frustrated, I told him he needed to go. I am realizing it is quite difficult to actually make your kids really do anything they don't want to do. So, after telling him he needs to get himself ready to go by the time I circled back home for the other boys quite firmly, but feeling badly I called him before picking up Kaj from seminary to say that I was sorry, and that I loved him, and was ready to listen if there was anything else going on. He then told me there was "this jerk" at school. He had been unkind to Jonah and his friends, and had whistled really loud in Jonah's ear- all of which maybe doesn't seem like much, but to him, it was, and it bothered him enough that he didn't want to go to school.
I immediately let his teacher know, and she was quick to respond and also quick to let the vice principal know. I received a phone call from her, and she planned to talk to the family, and have the people out at recess aware of Jonah. I must say I am impressed and continue to be impressed with Lava Ridge. We are very lucky to be at such a great school. I was able to pass this a long to Jonah, but he was still really upset going. I gave him a bit more time. Around noon we got to the school, he still continued to be upset, and really didn't want to go.
I was pretty much at a loss. There this battle that happens- it's not that big of a deal-he can stay home the rest of the day. After all, he had missed most of the day, but the other side says will he do this same thing tomorrow? I needed him to do the brave thing. His teacher and people there care about him, and I knew it would be ok. We said a prayer. We talked about not letting someone else have power over you, and I reminded Jonah that he was powerful. We walked in together. He was the sweetest boy in the world. He was sad but brave, and then I cried as I left.
