x-posted from my lj as I just typed it up there...

CJ's principal called an hour ago. Before school, CJ was rough housing with another boy and started dancing around throwing fake punches and saying "Bring it on". So the other boy punched him. In the face. Gave CJ a bloody nose.

Both boys were suspended for two days. The other boy for punching CJ. CJ for taunting the other boy and for having a history of this type of thing. He has been in the principal's office 4 times so far this year.

When I went to pick him up, - yes, the only employeed person in my house was the one who had to deal with this - the ladies in the office and his teacher were all - "But he is so sweet...". Yeah, and has little impulse control.

I'm so tired of this - we seem to go through it every year. This is the second time that he has been suspended. I hate that he is building this rep for himself. I hate having to be in mean-mom mode (tm). I know, this situation makes him look like the victim, but he has had lots of problems with self-control and this is just another example. He KNOWS that fake fighting can lead to real fighting.

Anyway, he is now at work with me and stuck here until 2:30. His teacher gave him some schoolwork and a book, plus he has the construction site to watch.

What they all said, MG. This is not what you needed right now.

MG, I hope it's not too serious (but a case of a boy with too much energy at the holidays).

eta after reading MG's post: You're amazing. It sounds frustrating, but you seem to deal with it with patience.

Arrrgh. I know how hard it is to have the kid who's the "troublemaker".

Does your school offer any sort of conflict management course? My son's middle school does, and it may sound all California, but it's helped my son a lot. In particular, he "asks for conflict mediation" when another kid hits him, which helps avoid the escalation problems.

Oy, MG. I'm sorry.

Hmmm. So, I guess my plan is to get a soft-sided AND a hard-sided carrier, put him in the soft-side and hope they let me take him into the cabin (especialy if it's below 10), and if not, put him in the hard-side and let him ride in the cargo (if it's above 10). Okay. Thanks.

So sorry, MG. My Jake is a bit like that, so I know how you feel.

Much cat-traveling ~ma, juliana.

it's helped my son a lot. In particular, he "asks for conflict mediation" when another kid hits him, which helps avoid the escalation problems.

Hey, that's great, Betsy.

Wow. I'm not sure I'd be mature enough to ask for conflict mediation if someone were to hit me.

Betsy - we are "California" and they do have "conflict managers". I believe the 5th graders get trained to help the other kids. I should see if that would help this situation.

He is SO beating himself up over this. I have not had to get on him at all, his head is hung and he is barely talking. Breaks my heart until I remember why.

Being a mom is HARD.

Juliana, you might also want to talk to your vet and see if you can get a tranquilizer for Damian for day of flight. Some vets don't like giving them (I've had one that refused), but most will.