I guess I should start this post by saying that we do not think Elliette is a perfect angel at all. I’ve personally witnessed her hit her friends or her sister on occasion out of frustration. She’s two. Most of her playgroup friends have hit. However, it has only been when she was with Eric or me. At school, the YMCA, church nursery, etc., she really IS a perfect angel! We not only receive solely positive reports when we pick her up, we receive glowing reports! She shares, she is sweet to the kids, and she’s her teachers’ biggest helper… I could go on and on.
On Tuesday at MOPS, Elliette kicked a boy. I have really enjoyed going to MOPS, as it gives me about two hours, every two Tuesdays, with some great ladies while Elliette learns about God in her class. Cadence has to stay with me until she’s six months old, but there are always willing women to hold her and love her. This is our second year in the program, and we’ve never had any problems. Until now.
When I picked Elliette up from her class, everything seemed normal. And then it happened. Her teacher approached me to let me know that Elliette had to sit in timeout because she kicked a boy. What?!! I was mortified! She probably noticed my embarrassment because she assured me that (1) Elliette was not the only one involved, and (2) she sat really well in her timeout chair, and they told her that when she was ready to apologize to the boy that she could get up. She promptly walked over to the boy and said “I’m sorry for kicking.”
The teacher was very kind and did not seem phased at all by this incident. She also said that she was only was telling me because Elliette had to sit in timeout, and she wanted me to know what was going on incase Elliette had told me later that she sat in the timeout chair. On top of it, my friend Dana, whose sweet daughter is in Elliette’s class, had a little chuckle and told me that all of the kids go through this, and that this probably won’t be Elliette’s only time to get into trouble!
I asked Elliette about the incident later afternoon. It went something like this: “Elliette, did you have fun at MOPS today?” “Yes.” “Did you have to sit in timeout?” “Yes.” “Do you know why?” “Because I hit (as she is showing me her right uppercut) a boy.” That’s my girl. She did tell me that she was sorry, so I hope this is going to be an isolated incident. At least she shows some remorse!
I took her to school this morning, and I told her teachers what had happened on Tuesday when I dropped her off. Of course, they couldn’t believe it either. They told me it could be that she’s acting out because we’re just getting off Christmas break and she’s having trouble adjusting. They told me they would watch her today and let me know if her behavior is any different.
When I picked her up, Lisa (one of her wonderful teachers) gave Elliette a glowing report, and she told me that she probably just doesn’t like being at MOPS, or that the little boy probably provoked her into kicking him. I feel a lot better now.
I mean really… is this the face of a childhood bully?!
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