You just know you're in for a great afternoon when you check your inbox and find an email from the Principal. She had sent me a copy of an email she'd received with my son's name on it and had been concerned about the tone of it. She was just passing it on because she wanted me to be aware, you know?My first thoughts? My son didn't write this. He doesn't have an email account with that address (he wouldn't be dumb enough to include his full name if he was sending something sassy to the principal (which, by the way, he would never do)). And then, but what if he did (write it) or does (have an email we don't know about)?
Rather than jump down his throat, I asked him if he had any email accounts he hadn't told us about.
Sidenote: Internet access is very controlled at our house. We use a program that allows each child access (by password) for only one specified hour a day. We have all their passwords and the kids know that we can check their accounts at any time. However, there is still access at school and anyone with the slightest bit of Internet savvy can set up an email account (they do know if they did that and we found out about it all computer time and any chances at a cell phone would be out the door).
I'm still not sure how I feel about his answer, but clearly he was confused as to why I'd be asking. Then I asked if he'd written any emails to the principal. His eyebrows shot up, Write the principal? they seemed to be saying, Whatever for?
I told him that she had forwarded an email that was believed to be written by him (as the email addy included his full name) but that I didn't think was in keeping with his character. He read it and was immediately outraged that someone would pretend to be him and then write the Principal about a matter so stupid in so rude a way.
His response? It had to be a girl mom. Only girls care about that.
And then, They kinda do have a point. I'd be upset about that if I were in their position.
I did a little Internet detecting.
Sidenote: never cross a mom who is fond of technology, research and who is also a teensy bit SMART.
It turns out the email was sent during a time when he did not have Internet access and he was right here in front of me. Also the account had very obviously been set up just this afternoon. When I tried to hack the account, I found it interesting that the person had chosen "Where did you meet your spouse?" for the security question. Aha! My son would never choose that as he thinks girls are still disgusting. (Not really, but he likes to say that for my benefit).
It makes me wonder, could a teacher have done this? A student? Why? Why not send an anonymous email? Why attach an innocent bystander's name to an email? Sometimes I do not understand people.
In other news, one of the kids kicked their door in because they were throwing a foot-stomping fit. Let's just say that person had better get used to the art of the quick change as their door privileges have been suspended indefinitely.
Seriously, parenting older kids is way harder than I anticipated. So, what would you do if you got a less-than-praiseworthy email from the Principal?
