Did I Overact?

Just relax - you might have over reacted in some people's opinions, but your son knew what he is and isn't supposed to do. Maybe next time he'll think before just taking off like that.

Okay, in the neighborhood I grew up in, there was my brother - one of 2 6 year olds - and a ton of 5th and 6th graders. Somehow, all the older kids would end up hanging out with my brother. It ended up causing my little brother to get into a lot of trouble because the older kids were bad little idiots, and he just wanted to fit in with them. I agree with you - I think it's strange for a fifth grader to want to play with a kindergartner. If he really wants to play with your son, make it to where they can only play under your supervision, just to make sure no nonsense goes on.

I am a single working mom. I left for work one morning and called the school to tell them I'd pick my 1st grader up instead of him riding the bus. His teacher called me back and told me he wasn't there! I flipped out! I called the sitter to go to my house to see if he was there. He wasn't. I left work, walked around the apartment complex, and finally called the police, only to find out that he missed the bus and went to his friend's house and was there with their mom. I went out and got him a cell phone that I can track him on. Its blocked so he can only call his father and I. Maybe I overreacted, but I feel better knowing that I can find him when I want to.

I really do not think that a 5th grader playing with a kindergartener is out of the ordinary... My son is in 1st grade and he plays with our neighbor and she is in 5th grade... They actually play very well together.
I do not know what the bus' rules are but aren't they supose to bring your child to you (or designated drop off)? Why would he be able to exit the bus if it was not at your house??? I really have no clue about the way that the buses work...I have never used a bus. Also my other suggestion is that you talk to the 5th grader's mom and explain to her that unless you two (the moms) have pre arranged a play date that your son is not allowed to just come over and you would appreciate a call if your son shows up at her house without you two pre arranging it...
Now also you mentioned something about a fire... Are you and your family and house full of kids ok? You never said just wanted to make sure. Ok well I hope this helps!
A.

First things first -- you're a mom... and because you care, there are times you are GOING to overreact. :) IT's normal, healthy and allows your children to see that you're human too. Something that they can honestly lose sight of since they think we are the know all / be all people in their universes.

As far as a fifth grader playing with a kindergardener -- just because children are in a certain grade doesn't mean they're not sociable enough to play with younger and/or older children. We have a diverse age range on our street and they all generally play great together. I honestly wouldnt worry about that at all. I would do as a prior post said and just drop a note to the mom to make sure if he ever DOES go over there that she at leasts asks him if he has asked his mom if he can be there...some kind of secondary safety net.

Kids are kids and they will forget things. So keep that in mind. I'm sure he didn't do anything with the intent of deceiving you but at that age, they're quite narcissistic in nature and the world really does revolve around them and what is fun at the moment... (though that actually may last through adulthood for boys! ha! -- I can say that -- I have two! LOL)

As far as yelling at him in front of his friends -- me, personally, I would take him aside and apologize to him. Just let him know that you know that you overreacted and that you are sorry but that you did it because you were so worried. Again, sometimes letting your children know that you are human too will help you connect on so many other levels. Especially if it's not a normal thing for yelling to occur at your home.

Do be careful with the phone too -- I have a 7 year old and he is just an average kid -- things will get lost.... regardless of how much importance you place on it because it's more of a commodity to you than it is for him.

:) Good luck.... it's a hard thing being a mom sometimes! :)