Thanks to all the folks who had ideas for helping Christopher. I'll be checking out "Love and Logic" from the library undoubtedly. Or maybe adding to the home library -- may be one of those books to keep close around at all times!

I also talked to Christopher's teacher yesterday to make sure things were going well in the classroom. His teacher told me that Christopher is very much keeping things together at school and doing incredibly well. She reassured me that these kinds of changes at home can be very common in the transition to first grade -- her own children had similar issues at a similar developmental touchpoing. She reassured me that the kids they worry about are the ones who melt down at school -- but that the ones who melt down at home are just showing that home is a "safe" place where they can let their swirling emotions loose, which is a sign that home is just what it is supposed to be -- safe and loving and caring. And then she looked me in the eyes and said "the brighter the child, the more they will push their limits at home during these transitions." I think we have a future Mensa member on our hands, then! (Just Kidding!). It was a good conversation that reassured me of many things:

• that he is not a deviant, but rather acting in ways similar to many kids at this age during this transition.
• that we're still ok parents despite the meltdowns.
• that he is doing well in school and a pleasure for his teacher to have in the classroom.

Whew! Plus a better day yesterday as I was more firm with boundaries.