Parenting.

Well it has been an interesting week for me. We wound up Jr. High football season (thank God, my son's team had the worst losing streak ever, not to mention two boys managed to break their arms!) Kudo's to my boy for hanging in there even when things got tough and he wanted to quit; another sign he is developing some maturity. He is also trying much harder at school this year, and he will kill me if he finds out I am blogging this but I caught him writing a note to a girl he is sweet on this morning. Apparently she likes him too and he has either convinced her or is convincing her to break up with her current 'boyfriend', although I reiterated my no dating until your 16 rule. Gotta love 13. 

School conferences were also this week (that's how I know oldest son is trying harder) and I found my daughter is doing great in all her classes except English where she was behind and well liked by all her teachers. Her Science teacher is particularly enthusiastic about how she helps other students, I think if she can learn to control her bossiness (no idea where she gets that from btw) she would be a good teacher herself. She also seems to be making a couple new friends this year and although there is nothing wrong with her friends from last year, I am glad she is getting to know more people. My only worry with her is a neighborhood boy who has been vying for her affection. I don't like him much and I like just about everyone...but he reminds me of a lower class Eddie Haskel from Leave it to Beaver. BTW - Greatest line ever from the show:  June speaking: "Don't you think you were a little hard on the Beaver last night Ward

So parenting wise I am pretty happy, it looks like my oldest son has gained some confidence in himself and my daughter is doing well. My sixth grade boy on the other hand has not done the majority of his assignments in most of his classes so he is sitting at home right now with a pile of homework for their four day weekend.  His brother wouldn't do school work until forced either in 4th-7th grades; the difference is that the older one was always talking, mouthing off, goofing around and getting in trouble, this one just quietly flies under the radar. All the teachers say he is good in class, but the Science teacher admitted that didn't think there was anything wrong until he looked in the grade book and he hadn't turned in any of his assignments. Well we all have the heads up on the little charmer now and I have been through this before so I know just what to do. Unlike his brother, once he is busted he won't try to fight it, once it becomes more of a hassle to him to not get his work done (as it now is), he will take the easier path. I found out the youngest is doing really well in all his classes and he is going to be a part of an advanced reading group. All that teasing about how dumb he was by his older brothers apparently made him try harder in school to prove himself. We have tried to tell him he is just as smart as the other two (smarter probably) they only seem smarter because they are older but he still doesn't see himself as very smart. Being the youngest he is always frustrated because he isn't as good as the others at whatever and they tease him because they think he is getting away with more. Ain't sibling rivelry great? One day kid you will have your turn in the sun, you will see.