I re-read my post and realized that what I had not added was that I was shocked and appalled when I realized that Caidan had said, "blah, blah, blah..." That is never acceptable and I was angry with him about it. But, frankly, while I do not approve of this behavior, I really wish that I had been that ballsy when I was his age. I mean, where in the world does he come off having that much chutzpah??

Caidan does keep himself busy. He just doesn't always do it in the way that we might choose to. He'll pay attention to things that wouldn't interest me in the least, and then use a five syllable word and put together three or four complex concepts in a way I never considered. And, still have time to respond to something he's disgusted with by saying, "blah, blah, blah..." Yeah, I could pick him up by the ears and scream sometimes.

BTW, respect is always expected of my children, not only at school, but whenever they are dealing with adults. They are being taught to treat adults with respect, as well as other children, even if the adult is clearly disabled, or the child is difficult. That's part of what was so shocking to me about what he had done.

I don't think my children are "better" than other kids. I simply recognize a problem that we are having and I'm trying to come to a good resolution on it.

And, I realized today while working as a volunteer in their class that the reason my children are not first graders is that they have maxed out on the number of first graders for their classrooms. And, frankly, that isn't a good enough reason. I taught the first graders and gave them a phonics and spelling sheet, with test. My children could easily have passed the spelling test without ever having gone through the phonics sheet or spelling review. It isn't my imagination -- they do belong in the first grade.

And, it isn't my imagination or your's -- they MUST show respect to school staff and other students.

Cat w/3 Kittens
Caidan, Carina and Caeleigh
Born at 31 weeks, 1/8/04.