Connor's world

The fact is, Connor's world is just not quite the same one the rest of us live in. We've noted often Connor's un-trustworthiness, but I think we're starting to understand that not all of it stems from mischievous impulses.

While initial reports of the transition in schools were very positive, he's actually been having a bit more trouble lately. Compared to his previous school, the fact of the matter is that the new school is big and noisy and there's very little we can do to change this. He's been fine in his classroom, which is a wonderfully sweet place, and with his teacher, who clearly adores him (who couldn't?) but at other times there is clearly some anxiety.

Sarah has very astutely suggested that some of his questionable accounts of things at school are best seen as means of coping with some of those anxieties. He gets very nervous about walking by himself in the hallways, particularly past one area where a loud fan blows. He came home one day saying that he had been left behind by his class and gotten lost. He said that he went to the front office and they gave him directions back to his room. This struck us as worrisome clearly so we asked his teacher, who has a GREAT deal of credibility and is an experienced, highly-detailed, talented teacher. She said in no uncertain terms that no such thing had happened or would happen. But as Sarah says, I think that the story was a means for Connor to work through his fears and imagine the scenario and what he would do. He produced another story last night about a stranger being in the building and being chased down by the police. This comes on the heels, it is clear from stuff Jamie has said, of a school-wide discussion about security. We are glad, clearly, they take this seriously, but it's the sort of thing that can cause a bunny to worry.

Anyway, armed with these and other defense mechanisms, things have been OK the last couple of days. We had his open house last night and he was tireless in leading us proudly around the room, so it's clear that in that space he is very happy and comfortable and learning a great deal, too.