Dennis stayed in a box at the beginning of the movie to pretend he was a Martian and avoid social interactions, David encouraged this behavior which could negatively impact Dennis' development, Dennis' first school threw him out for his Martian pretending which was an important lesson learned, teachable moments are important life lessons, and David's decision to adopt so soon after his wife's death may have been too soon according to the policies of Jonathan's Place which evaluates recent trauma in potential foster parents to determine if they are ready.