Thursday, May 19, 2011

Legos and Self Expression.

Ethan has always been very vocal about his feelings.  Many times he feels like life is very unfair to him and he will let you know, in one way or another.  I can definitely say he is not passive aggressive.  He'll tell you straight out what he is frustrated with and many times guilt you into his logic. 
 Well.....
yesterday he was an unhappy camper.  After spending time with him all day at his field trip, he came home grounded from all "electronic devices."  The field trip was great until the end when he slammed into a girl and refused to understand why "you don't hit girls", even when they are the one who started it.  Life's unfair, little Dude.  And that happens to be one of the many things he'll need to learn.  
So to make a long story short, I took away his lifeblood video games.  Indefinitely.   This was a source of much anger and he was telling me why.  He came home, went down to his room, and didn't surface for a while.  I went down and talked to him and when I came back, he was sound asleep.  Ahhh.  All tuckered out.  They look so sweet and innocent when they wear themselves out and are slumbering away.
But no...
I peeked into his room and saw this creation along his window sill:




I didn't know if I should laugh or cry.  I told him later that "it is very inappropriate to say things like that and very disrespectful".  However in my mind I wanted to add, "But I really like your artistic take on the matter.  Very impressive!"

As I was tucking him in bed last night, I talked to him again. "You know, that wasn't a very nice thing to say to your mother.  It's pretty neat that you can make letters like that out of Legos, and you are really creative, I'll give you that.  But when God gives us talents, we can either use them for good or use them for evil.  I hope you learn how to use your talents for something better."

This morning he spent some time in his room before leaving for school.  I went downstairs and found this waiting for his friend that was coming home to play with him after school for the first time:


Much Better, Lil' Dude.

3 comments:

Rabid said...

That's awesome! Both you stickin' to your guns and his method of communication. I would chalk this little scenario up as a "parenting payday," yes?

Brooke and Jonny said...

You handled that very well! I hope I am able to handle Dax that well, I'm nervous about it. Although I am impressed at his abilities

The Stones said...

Ahh, you handled that so well! I'm glad to know I'm not the only one with kiddos that don't like me sometimes! And he IS very creative.