Sandi continues her saga on How to Embarrass Your Son and finds new fans in her son's classroom.

From Last Week...

Last week, I said that I was going to be visit Cyclone’s school and talk to the third grade classes about being a writer. I also shared how Cyclone was rather embarrassed that his teacher, Mrs. Vivacity, read part of my short story, “Bedtime for Benat,” to his class.

Turns out that his classmates were kind of impressed, believe it or not. At least they were before I got there! Dear children had the idea that since Cyclone’s Mom is a Published Author that we must be rich, live in a mansion, and Know Famous People.

Cyclone wasn’t sure what to do with the attention, because he’s mostly a loner. He was amused, though, not embarrassed. Whew!

Expectations Met…

Scooter, adorable child that he is, decided to have a Bad Day. You know how it is, if you’re a parent. If there is a day that you really, really need a cooperative toddler, they are sure to have one of Alexander’s Terrible, Horrible, No-good, Very Bad Days.

When I got to the school, the Powers That Be had an area all set up for me. It was really rather flattering, to be honest. I’ve never made An Appearance before! The students came in very politely, their teachers were wonderful, and it was a lot of fun.

Remember, I don’t write kiddie lit; I write romance! When I told the kids this, they all said, “Eeewwww!” But then, I shared other, more “action-packed” aspects of my novels, and that met with their approval.

They fired questions at me about my work, about my preferences in books and movies, and even asked what I liked to eat. It was great fun. Even if Mrs. Vivacity WAS taking video.

…Expectations Unmet

The children also asked me if I ever used Cyclone in my books.

Now, here’s where I was rather astonished. Cyclone, dear Big Brother that he is, got babysitting duty while Mom was talking. Scooter was not thrilled to be confined to his stroller, so Cyclone was patiently wheeling him around the library, entertaining him with funny faces, and making sure he had his cup and graham crackers. I was so proud of him!

He even caught up on some reading while pushing Scooter back and forth in the stroller. Clever kid, no?

When my presentation was over and the children left, Cyclone didn’t come up to say, “Bye, Mom,” or anything. I was in an agony of suspense all day, sure I’d completely mortified him.

Much to my surprised gratification, he wasn’t embarrassed in the least! Can you believe it? Wow!

I still took him out to Dairy Queen after school, though, as a reward for doing a top-notch job of keeping Scooter from crying.

What a Day!

I was bushed when I got home, let me tell you. Between being focused on my audience, worrying about that Video Camera (I was! Stressed me out!), and hoping that Cyclone wasn’t embarrassed and hoping that Scooter wouldn’t turn out to be too much for his brother to handle… I was psychologically exhausted!

But then, when I got to talk to Cyclone about it, I was renewed. It was wonderful. I found out he had told his classmates that I write Christian romances…which I do. I am proud of my guy for being up front about that. He’s a great kid.

Lesson Learned?

Never underestimate my son’s tolerance for his mother!

I pray that you are joyfully surprised by your children or other family members this week!

God bless America.