Wednesday, May 20, 2009

It's kind of like own a pit bull, but without the ability to tie them in the yard.

I know, you're back for the BIG! NEWS!

Here's the thing...the BIG! NEWS! STORY! isn't just my story to tell, so until I know the ending...well, you'll just have to wait.

But don't feel bad, I'M HAVING TO WAIT TOO!!!!

*****

Bonus has always been the 'big boy' in all our circles. As a toddler, he was the one who would toddle up and knock the hell out of another kid to get the prized toy. It was completely embarrassing and I had no clue how to handle it. After all, he was my first child and my only bully.

As he's aged (to the ripe old age of five), he's gotten much better at it. Like an old wine, he's starting to mellow.

Also like an old wine he will knock you on your ass when you least expect it. So maybe we haven't turned that corner just yet.

Yesterday, we were at the park playing with some friends. It was a gorgeous day, the kids were running off an ice cream high and Jessica and I were chatting with another neighbor.

All at once, Jessica's son, PJ, comes running up to us, holding his head and screaming. Without even looking up, I knew the cause. Bonus comes casually strolling up, swinging a plastic shovel. I swear, if he could whistle, he would have been doing that as well.

PJ: "HE HIT ME IN THE HEAD WITH A SHOVEL!"

I grabbed the shovel from Bonus and threatened him bodily harm if he didn't get in his room this very instant calmly told him to go inside the house.

We still aren't sure exactly what happened. Both parties are claiming the other one is at fault. Fortunately, PJ does not have a concussion but is convinced Bonus is a bully. Bonus, on the other hand, is not speaking without his attorney present.

I am pretty much at my wits-end with this behavior and have no idea what to do or say to remedy it. He is a very sweet child, but just not with other kids; which, you know, is kind of a problem when you're five.

7 comments:

dancing_lemur said...

I can only think to say keep reacting when it happens, so he knows it's not okay with you or anyone else...

Also, TEASE! You just keeeeeeep leading us on.

Jill said...

I'm sure it's just a phase. My 4 yo old went through a punching phase at preschool this winter. Yes, punching! As in, other kids, in the stomach, when they made him mad. But he got over it... and I'm sure it's only a matter of time before he picks up a new undesirable trait. Sigh!!

Burgh Baby said...

Reason #814 it might be smart to stop at one kid: Shovels can be used as a weapon against siblings. OK. Got it. Thanks!

Jennifer said...

Seriously. The big news??? GET ON WITH IT. Are you pregnant? You said there was no end to it...

And sorry about the behavior issues. My son is so perfect that I couldn't possibly understand. *ahem*

Unknown said...

GAS?

Anonymous said...

PJ is healing well he has now realized that shovels are a great weapon to use on his sister at the beach when she messes up his sand castle.. THANKS!!! LOL

Kim, Rambling Family Manager said...

My son was rather... violent with other kids too. He's turning 7 in a week and he's finally showing progress; his sister (19 months older) isn't screeching "he hit me" nearly as often. We can even go a few days in a row without any hitting! We've found the best solution is restricting his TV and movie viewing to non-violent shows only. He wants to watch "big" shows like Star Wars, etc. but if he's been hitting then I explain that seeing hitting on TV must make him think hitting is OK in real life, but it isn't, so if he hits (or hurts in any manner) he can't watch that type of show. It took a long time for it to work, and of course we also use time outs and so forth, but we're finally seeing progress. :)