A child after my own heart...

If you know my two oldest at all, then you know how completely different they are.

When my oldest son was in Jr. High, i would threaten that if he missed the bus, he would have to walk or ride his bike the 3 miles to school.

Worse punishment EVER.

He only had to do it twice in two years because he was mortified at the idea of having to walk or ride his bike to school, people might SEE him. And apparently riding your bike to Jr. High is "gay".

Now son #2 is in Jr. High.

His threat goes more like this "if you are late to first hour one more time, I will make you ride the bus."

On day 3 of school, he was accused of throwing something at somebody on the bus. 

He didn't commit the offense but the "big-faced italian" (obviously not my words) bus driver made him move from the back of the bus with his friends, to the front by himself, right next to him. I'm sure Carson argued all he could with this man (because that's Carson), but the bus driver obviously didn't care at that point.

Carson watched as the bus driver threatened another kid with suspension from the bus when he got off a stop he wasn't "assigned" to get off on, even though it was right across from his house. Carson kind of scoffed and pointed out to the bus driver how ridiculous that was. 

Again, bus driver, not amused.

The next day, Carson went back to his old seat at the back of the bus and the bus driver said, "oh no, kid, this is your new assigned seat, right next to me." 

Again, Carson tried arguing his case, and the bus driver called the vice-principal over.

It was made very clear that regardless of what did or did not happen, regardless of the truth, Carson would be under this man's authority, subject to whatever rule he laid down.

And so, Carson took matter's into his own hands. 

Without making a fuss, or complaining to me, he started riding his bike. 

He went to the bus stop the next day and when the doors opened, he started walking up the steps and then looked at the driver and said, "Oh yah, I forgot. I'm not riding your bus anymore." And turned & walked away.

The bus driver yelled at him and said, "Get back in this bus right now!"

"Nope," Carson said, over his shoulder. And kept walking.

4 weeks into school and that boy rides his bike or walks (flat tire) to and from school everyday in this crazy heat! 

I said, "Carson, you know you're not hurting that bus driver. He could care less if you're on the bus."

He said, "I know."

I said, "Have you ever heard the term 'cut off your nose to spite your face'? Don't you think that's kind of what you're doing?"

"Nah," he said, "it's the principle. I leave for school and come home from school on my terms. And, usually i get home the same time or right before the bus."

"Besides, he added, "i can't help but think this is exactly what you would have done when you were my age."

Little stinker...

I have to hand it to him though, he doesn't care what other people think and he's not easily persuaded.
He is a young man of conviction and that's a great quality to have! :)