Terrific Kid

Last week Duncan was selected as a "Terrific Kid". Each six weeks every teacher at his elementary school selects one girl and one boy who exhibit these qualities-

Thoughtful
Enthusiastic
Respectful
Responsible
Inclusive
Friendly
Inquistitive
Capable

They have a ceremony and are given a certificate as well as coupons for free kids meals, etc. And they get a bumper sticker that says Proud Parent of a Terrific Kid.

Duncan was chosen for this same award last year, as well. We are very proud of him. It's really wonderful as a parent to watch your child succeed. He is very proud of this award and in fact last year he told me, "Guess what I did today? I became a terrific kid!" We explained that he had been a terrific kid all along.

But back to the bumper sticker- As we went through the things in his little goodie bag from the ceremony I came upon the bumper sticker. Of course, being in a small town we see these frequently on peoples cars. Dunk tells me I cannot have the bumper sticker. I am confused. He was so proud I just knew he would want me to stick it on my car immediately, a prospect which I will admit I was not overly thrilled about. I know he's a terrific kid and heck, everyone who knows him does. But a bumper sticker announcing it, ehhhh. Being a proud Momma I was completely ready to do it, though. I ask him why I can't have it. He's explains that he thinks it's rude to go around announcing to everyone that your kid is terrific. We have a short discussion about it not really being rude but rather a way for parents to show their children just how proud of them they are. I'll admit I wasn't even completely convinced by the end of the conversation but I did try my best. Then he looks at me and says, "Ummm besides Mom, bumper stickers are just............tacky." Gee, he really is a terrific kid.