science olympiads 2014

This was the last week of school for the boys. On Monday, SJ's school had their Science Olympiad.  It was for fifth and sixth graders.  SJ was on the Awesome Atoms team.  His team was comprised of both fifth and sixth graders.  

We had a long talk with SJ Monday morning. He had a few meltdowns last year when he participated, so we were trying to defuse that bomb before it blew up.  

He was in a fairly good mood when I picked him up Monday afternoon.  He said his team did well and was excited about a electric circuits event.

Tuesday morning, we had the same talk with him.  He wasn't quite as happy when I picked him up Tusday afternoon.  He said the events were tougher for his team the second day.  He was worried that they wouldn't get any medals on Wednesday.

Wednesday was the awards ceremony.  My husband told him that if he didn't get any awards we would give him something for trying his best.  "Like what?," asked SJ.  "A big hug from me," said my husband.  "Well, that is not good enough," said SJ. 

When we got to school that morning, Mr. Brown told me that SJ wouldn't be going home empty handed. That fact took a lot of stress off of me. I worry so much about SJ's reactions to disappointment.  

When I picked him up that afternoon, he had two bronze medals in his hand.  "Wow, that's awesome," I congratulated SJ.  His face wasn't as happy as I expected.  While we were walking to our car, he said he wished he got a silver instead.  "Can I trade someone for a silver?," he asked.  "Absolutely not.  If you do, you will lose electronics for a week," I reminded him.  

I am happy to report that he was over it by the time we got home and they are safely hanging on his bedroom wall.