Standing there.

That'll teach her to just stand there.

My sister used to bite people when she got excited. A little unprovoked kicking is nothing.

(The most memorable time was being down on the Mall, and her walking up to a complete stranger wearing jeans similar to Mom's, and biting him on the butt. Hard.)

Hang in there. We teach them to be civilized; it doesn't come naturally. One of mine went through a major biting phase. It's so embarrassing when your kid is the bite-er rather than the one with the toothmarks.

Ooh, Jacqueline, look at this page! [link]

Couldn't help snarfling at Cass's comment. I'm sorry, Aimee, that sounds really tough. Here you are, in charge of a small irrational person you can't actually control, yet required to take responsibility for her chaotic actions. I find that whole aspect quite scary. Good luck!

In mememe news, my advisor talked to the principal of the school I mentioned a couple days ago, recommending me for a job opening (I think) this January. The posting wants two years' experience -- I haven't even taught yet. Also, it'd be teaching trig and AP calculus, which makes me all wide-eyed and usure. But it'd be a great opportunity, plus I wouldn't have to be unemployed for six months (my current plan). I got an email late today from the principal, saying, "He had many wonderful things to say about you, so even though you have not yet had HS experience, I would definitely be happy to talk to you and potentially bring you in for an interview."

So, great! Also, ACK! I'll need to call her nice and early tomorrow (despite my natural inclination to put it off because it's scary). What do I say? How do I say it? "Hi, I'm Emily, the girl with no experience who'd like to teach your 11th and 12th graders trigonometry despite never having taken it myself?" Too honest? Anyone have any ideas about the sort of thing she's likely to say or want to hear or I should ask?

Man, I don't like calling for jobs under the most clear-cut of circumstances (like when I'm actually qualified). Here I'm scared stiff. I should probably do some research on the school tonight and come up with a concise "philosophy of education" statement. Ack! Scary!

I am watching a show on sharks (yes, even with the squick) and "You see, there are more than 400 living kinds of sharks in the world. Thirty of those have been involved in unprovoked attacks on human beings."

Unprovoked?

And, because sharks and kids should not be in the same post when talking of biting and kicking, I am sorry to hear of Em's little incident. But I have been told it is totally normal. And maybe a sign of a future with the Rockettes.

Emeline kicked her teacher today.

Pfft. That's nothing.

Whoa.

In the high school, students will be assigned an unlocked locker for which they will be responsible for the duration of the school year. Under no circumstances may a student install a lock on their school-issued locker. Students who do so will not only lose the privilege of having a locker but will face further disciplinary action as well.