So What Happened, Son?

On our way to bowling practice yesterday, I asked Maddy my standard set of questions when I pick him up from the bus stop.

1. How was school son?
2. Did you get any disciplinary notes from your teacher?
3. Did you get any homework?
4. Did you get any tests back today?

 His reply was as follows:

1. Good.
2. No.
3. Yes.
4. Yes.

Ever the conversationalist (it's like looking into a mirror for me), Maddy thought his responses were good enough and thought our conversation was over and done with.

This is what followed.

Dad: So what test did you get back today?
Maddy: My science one, Dad.
Dad: Aha. How much did you get for it?
Maddy: I got a 5 out of 5 and a 3 out of 5.
Dad: 3 out of 5???
Maddy: I'm quite happy about the 5 out 5 Dad. That's pretty good aye?

At this point I'm thinking that I shouldn't dwell on the negatives and I should give him some positive reinforcement.

Dad: Yeah, son. I'm proud of you for getting 100% on your test.
Maddy: Smiles
Dad: Uhhh but what happened to the other test?
Maddy: Well, I got confused about 2 of the questions so I asked Ms. Peworchik to explain them to me but she said she couldn't, so I just guessed.
Dad: Ok, fair enough.

We went over the questions that he got wrong and after I explained what the questions meant, he got both answers right. He said, Dad, you're really good at breaking it down so I can understand things. Thanks!

"You're welcome, son", I said. "Next time talk less with your friends while the teacher is teaching, ok?"