Bad Boys

I’ve had the song “Bad Boys” by Gloria Estefan & the Miami Sound Machine in my head all day.  Could be because it was on satellite radio this morning on the way to work, or it could be because I was wondering about my own little ‘bad boy’ Jackson all day.  This was his first day back to school after 9 check marks at school last Thursday and Friday.  I was very optimistic that he would have a good day.  Especially since I know he wants his Angry Birds stuff back and I know he wants to go on the field trip with his class on Thursday.

So after work, I went to school for a meeting and afterwards was waiting in the hallway before the bell rang. Jackson’s teacher appeared from around the corner with a line of students behind her and said to me, “Just the man I was looking for!”  I’m always a little fearful of that expression when someone says that to me.  Am I in trouble or what?  “Jackson is still outside and will not come back into the school.  He’s refusing to leave the playground!”

The confusion started in my head.  ‘Why would he do this AGAIN after we had this issue last week with him not coming in from recess!?’  So I went outside to see what was going on before they sent the Principal out there to get him.  Jackson was slowly climbing the stairs from the playground and as he got closer to me his face was covered in dirt.  He had been playing in the sand and on the ground, getting sweaty, and rubbing his dirty hands on his face to wipe the sweat away.  GROSS!  LOL.

Anyway, I asked, “Jackie, what’s going on?  Why aren’t you with your class?”  Before he could say anything the bell rang, school was out.  Then a guy behind us called to me and said, “Are you Jackson’s Dad?”  I said, “Yes.”  “I’m today’s sub for gym and Jackson has been out of control!”  Just the words I wanted to hear!  NOT!  He proceeded to tell me that Jackson was not doing what he was asked to do and that Jackson refused to come inside when the whistle blew.  Further, the sub had given him 3 check marks.

My heart dropped!  Now I had to be the bad guy…  AGAIN!  “What did we say would happened if you got more than 1 check mark a day this week, Jackson?”  “That I won’t get my Angry Birds back.”  “Yep, and the field trip this Thursday will not be happening for you!”

And something strange happened.  Jackson said, “OK.” No yelling, no stomping, and NO tears!

Later when we called Dad to tell him about what had happened Jackson was still very reserved.  I took all of his toys away for the evening and told him that he needed a check free day tomorrow to earn them back.  Is our boy just growing and getting more mature or does he just not give a flip?  I’m seriously at a loss… 

OH, and to top it all off, Peyton has learned how to climb out of his crib at 20 months old!  Needless to say, this is one tired Daddy!