Rambunctious Little Boys Never Receive Praise!

Late in the fall, a 3rd grade boy started riding my school bus. He was loud, he was fresh mouthed, he jumped in the seat, over the seats, his hands were never where they belong, other kids complained about him with good reason. I naturally had to write him up.

The first time, the mother met me on the road crying. There were more write-ups to come and one day she met me at the road and said that maybe they should go back to car riders. I told her that if they would work with him at home, I would put his assigned seat near me and maybe he would get better.

Well, he really did not get much better. If I had to look up from driving and call a name, chances are it’s was his. When kids were loud, I could hear his voice above all others. But there was a marginal improvement, which is better than none and I took a little time before we pulled away from school to get to know him better, which made me feel more kindly toward him.

My better attitude to him gave us a little connection and understanding.

The last week of school he was getting off at his house and said that was his last day on the bus this year. I gave him a hug and noticed both his parents in the yard. I told him to ask his parent to walk out to the bus. They looked up warily and I waved them over. They walked down and I knew they were expecting more bad reports.

I thanked them for cooperating with me when I had to write up the little boy and that I thought he had improved since the beginning of the school year.

The relief spread over their faces, tears sprung to the moms eyes, and both parents thanked me profusely for working with the little boy so he could ride the bus.

I told them that I was looking forward to next year and I’m sure he would continue to improve.

We talked a little more and they were so happy and I realized how few times they probably ever have complimentary up-building conversations about their rambunctious son. I felt good too, because I know he’s not going to be an angel next year, but I will have a much better attitude about him. You can’t talk good about someone and keep having bad feelings for them. – April 😀