EJ's woes

Where, oh where has my little boy gone? Oh where, oh where can he be? My EJ...growing up too fast and beginning to act out. I am not sure what is going on with our 9-year old, but we will are definitely trying to nip it now. Let me tell you all about our EJ woes... Before Spring Break, EJ came home and told me he got in trouble at school. Right away, I was pleased he told me immediately, but also concerned about the extent of his meaning. I asked, "Did you go to the Principal's office?" He told me he didn't. Relief. Apparently, EJ decided he was going to write down the answers to the next day's test and attempt to use this "cheat sheet." I checked my email all evening with hopes of hearing the teacher's side of the story, but never received anything. Jay checked his personal email (which he NEVER checks) around 9 p.m. and, sure enough, the teacher sent a messages to his account. It was a brief, yet similar story of what happened that day. The teacher decided she would take away his computer privileges for the day. We took it a step further and grounded him from playing outside with his friends for the week. Lucky for him, it only amounted for half the time because we left to go to Ohio for the rest of the time. This brings me to yesterday where we received another email, but this time it was sent to both our accounts. During math, EJ decided to leave the classroom without permission and head to the restroom with other students who were given permission. The teacher was very concerned as this is a safety issue and because of the dishonesty behind it. As a parent, there are so many questions you have. (1) What is going on with this child? (2) What am I doing wrong as a parent? (3) How concerned should we be? (4) How do we punish these actions? (5) Are these age-related problems? Jay spoke with EJ for a while last night. I'll admit, he will open up to his dad more easily. That's fine...as long as he opens up! Jay actually found out more information and other "issues" going on with other children on the bus. I asked Jay to meet with the teacher to discuss EJ's recent actions. I feel that I am more defensive when it comes to my children being accused of being one way or another, so it is probably good for all of us if my patient, laid-back hubby takes the reigns on this one! We are definitely in a frustrated state with our first born child. It's so easy to enforce punishment, vut it's our hope that we can find a balance to reiterate right and wrong with a bit of positive affirmation. All-in-all, EJ is NOT a bad child. Right now, he is just challenging!