Calling All Moms: School Note RETURNS

As moms as well as dads we would love to see our children succeed and have the best in life. Sometimes though we may come up short, mostly in material ways things that we may not be able to afford that I children so desperately want, but in the most important ways the love and nurture that our children so desperately need. I know that I struggle to show Grace and Izabelle the ways that lead them down the right paths in life. I try to include Jesus in our daily talks or by showing them through example in my life. It's hard, but I need to understand whether I sin or not Jesus loves me, he loves us and we need to keep treading along in life and trying to do our best through Jesus Christ.
One thing that we are trying to in still in our children is to 'love one another'. And to do no harm to others (whether physical or mentally). It's easy said then done (trying to teach them right from wrong). Grace has been having to learn this in not so fun way. In school she is doing great academically, but socially she is not. It's not that she doesn't make friends, she makes friends easily, but she is having a hard time keeping her hands to herself (she is a very touchy child, always has been) and talking during times when she is not suppose too. I have blogged about this before, but we are just not doing something right. She got another note sent home from her teacher. Not to go into too many details, but it appears that Grace is the one starting things with another student (a male). First I would like to say that Matt and I do not condone inappropriate touching in anyway (hitting, smacking, pinching, etc). And the girls do get in trouble for that. When we ask Grace how was school it's either "I didn't do so well, I got in trouble" or "Today was good, I got to play at all recesses". It breaks my heart that I hear these things, I would like to hear, "I learned this new word, or I made a new friend", but instead I am hearing about behavioral issues. So, when Grace tells on herself, we send her to her room with no TV or games and to pray. It seems to work her at home, because I see a change in her, she is really trying her hardest to please us. There are sometimes when she pinches or pokes at Izabelle and it's straight to the corner, apology after words, with a hug and kiss (same goes for Izabelle). So, why is she acting like this at school? Great question, uh? Especially when I didn't get any kind of these reports from her preschool teachers from the previous 2 years, her Sunday School teacher (well her sub this past Sunday), or her Awana teachers (trust me I asked).
I was talking to my mom on the phone because I wanted to get another point of view from another mom and to see if I did this kind of thing when I was younger. One of the things she asked was "Does she like this boy". Well I didn't know, I just knew what the teacher said, that they were clashing.
So, today when she got home from school we were just talking and I asked her "So, do you like (the male student)." she says "Yes", "Why are you hitting or pinching him", "I don't know", "Is he your friend", "Yes". "Do you like him" (as in a boyfriend, I know she is WAY too young & I really don't know if she knows what boyfriends really are). "Yeah". "Do you do these things to get his attention", "Yeah". Oh, Dear. I remember trying to get the attention of a boy I liked in school and it usually was this kind of attention. I am sure I did this kind of thing too, well I know I did. Do you remember doing this kind of thing, too? Is this normal child behavior? I just feel bad that Grace is getting in trouble what seems to be ALOT!!! I don't want to keep punishing her, especially since I don't know the WHOLE story, just Grace's. Everyone has a different perspectives on a touch; is a hurtful touch or just a touch that looks like more then a touch touch (if you know what I mean). I don't want her to be doing bad things to get attention. Is she getting enough positive reinforcement at school and/or at home? I try to tell her each morning, "Today is a new day and we can only do our best, I love you, and have a Great day, kisses." and off she goes. I don't want her to be that student next year the teacher says "This one going to give me a hard time, because that is what she did in Kindergarten".
So, today I called her teacher to set up a parent/teacher conference. I wanted to get the teacher's insight on what is happening at school and try to get something figured out, so that Grace is benefiting and growing in all areas at school. I am nervous as a first time Kindergarten mom, this is my first time sitting down with the teacher, what do I say, how do I acted. I just want the best for Grace, as well as my children following behind her. I have some great feedback the last time I talked about Grace's behavior at school, but I am at my wits end on this one. Part of me thinks, 'Is it really Grace's fault', 'What if everything thing she does is just being nitpicked because of whatever reason'. I know I should not think that way, I am just stressed about the whole situation. UGH!!! Not at Grace, not the other student, not at the teacher (she is just doing her job), but UGH!!! What should I do? What should we do?

Thanks for the ear.

From a stressed out mom:-

God Bless

Jess