I'm not sure that I agree that the school's consequences were overly harsh. I do, however, think that taking away all of his other stuff is. Missing the theme park day is a natural consequence of behavior that "earned" him two days off school. Those two days should be productive ones - I'm sure there's work he can do at his grandparents' while he's there.
Nor do I think telling them why he's not in school is terrible or shaming, unless they take it upon themselves to make it so while he's there. But perhaps they will be able to lend some perspective and a sympathetic ear... and perhaps share some of the "shenanigans" they got up to as youngsters (as well as some of the trouble they got into for it).
I, too, would be (unpleasantly) surprised if one of my two did something like this, but I have to admit that I would also find it somewhat amusing on a certain level. In years to come, I suspect that there will be quite a few laughs had from this episode, as well as a good anecdote for him to share with his own children and grandchildren.
People aren't perfect. We all do stupid things. Heck - I'm sure you have. This might be a good time to share one of them with him.
Nor do I think telling them why he's not in school is terrible or shaming, unless they take it upon themselves to make it so while he's there. But perhaps they will be able to lend some perspective and a sympathetic ear... and perhaps share some of the "shenanigans" they got up to as youngsters (as well as some of the trouble they got into for it).
I, too, would be (unpleasantly) surprised if one of my two did something like this, but I have to admit that I would also find it somewhat amusing on a certain level. In years to come, I suspect that there will be quite a few laughs had from this episode, as well as a good anecdote for him to share with his own children and grandchildren.
People aren't perfect. We all do stupid things. Heck - I'm sure you have. This might be a good time to share one of them with him.
