Evolving Discussions
So in the beginning, the conversations revolve around baby sleep. In the middle, they revolve around motor skills. In the toddler stage ... well I'm still learning what they are all about but as the small person ages the parenting discussions (at least around here) have actually, like, begun.
We, to a certain extent, disagree.
Preschool. G will be two in April so it's time, some say, to begin the preschool hunt. Do you know how hard it is to find a good preschool? I mean to find good childcare at all is like looking for needles in haystacks. All places I'm sure try and are lovely, but all places aren't great for all kids.
He is ready for more structure. He is making some steps toward active play versus parallel play. All of this is really mute because the reality is, his father wants him in school. So therefore, I have to find one.
Damn parenting. Damn marriage. I say that with mirth.
So I have my first tour tomorrow. This is a local program that's two days a week and starts in September. But, I have learned, that good places fill up fast and the idea of a waiting list actually does exist.
So what am I looking for tomorrow? I'm looking for a loving, comforting enviornment that's going to give him basic structure but not a lot. I do not want to be sent notes home that he played too long with blocks and wouldn't stop coloring when it was time. I do not want to be sent home notes that he didn't feel like learning his numbers. I want him to play. I want him to sing songs and when he falls down I want someone to give him hugs. I do not want him stressed out in anyway. If he doesn't nap, that's life, and I don't want that to be a big deal.
Two of our friends send their kids to this school. Their kids love it. I am confident that G will too. After the first few weeks. I'm not looking forward to dropping off a screaming little man. But a lot can change between now and September.
My bigger problem is what am I going to do when he's gone? Don't wax poetic about getting chores done without him. I like having him with me and I get most everything done with him. Like Andy's mom says in Toy Story 3, "I wish I could always be with you." I can't. It's sad but true. That's the hardest part of parenting, I think. Loving them enough to let them go. And yes I realize it's just 5 hours twice a week. But it's part of the larger process. The first step towards his independence really. He will have experiences that I don't know about, and that's the right way of things.
And I have very real and legitimate fears about trusting others with his care. I have very real fears about him not eating lunch and losing weight. But like I said earlier, a lot can change between now and September. And peer pressure may even help our eating situation.
It's time. Or rather, it will be in September. He'll be 2 1/2. That's a good time to start preschool. What I really, really hope I can find by the time he's 5 is a kindergarden program that isn't 8 hours plus. I think that is ridiculous. I've heard of parents getting notes sent home that they think their 5 year old is ADD or should be investigated for ADD because they won't pay attention. Seriously? They are 5.
If I were a Mensa candidate (and if my husband would let me), I'd home school. Alas, I'm not a mensa candidate. And I think the other lessons that are taught in school are equally as important in life as academics.
Anyway wish me luck in the search for the perfect educational beginning for my offspring. The task is daunting.
We, to a certain extent, disagree.
Preschool. G will be two in April so it's time, some say, to begin the preschool hunt. Do you know how hard it is to find a good preschool? I mean to find good childcare at all is like looking for needles in haystacks. All places I'm sure try and are lovely, but all places aren't great for all kids.
He is ready for more structure. He is making some steps toward active play versus parallel play. All of this is really mute because the reality is, his father wants him in school. So therefore, I have to find one.
Damn parenting. Damn marriage. I say that with mirth.
So I have my first tour tomorrow. This is a local program that's two days a week and starts in September. But, I have learned, that good places fill up fast and the idea of a waiting list actually does exist.
So what am I looking for tomorrow? I'm looking for a loving, comforting enviornment that's going to give him basic structure but not a lot. I do not want to be sent notes home that he played too long with blocks and wouldn't stop coloring when it was time. I do not want to be sent home notes that he didn't feel like learning his numbers. I want him to play. I want him to sing songs and when he falls down I want someone to give him hugs. I do not want him stressed out in anyway. If he doesn't nap, that's life, and I don't want that to be a big deal.
Two of our friends send their kids to this school. Their kids love it. I am confident that G will too. After the first few weeks. I'm not looking forward to dropping off a screaming little man. But a lot can change between now and September.
My bigger problem is what am I going to do when he's gone? Don't wax poetic about getting chores done without him. I like having him with me and I get most everything done with him. Like Andy's mom says in Toy Story 3, "I wish I could always be with you." I can't. It's sad but true. That's the hardest part of parenting, I think. Loving them enough to let them go. And yes I realize it's just 5 hours twice a week. But it's part of the larger process. The first step towards his independence really. He will have experiences that I don't know about, and that's the right way of things.
And I have very real and legitimate fears about trusting others with his care. I have very real fears about him not eating lunch and losing weight. But like I said earlier, a lot can change between now and September. And peer pressure may even help our eating situation.
It's time. Or rather, it will be in September. He'll be 2 1/2. That's a good time to start preschool. What I really, really hope I can find by the time he's 5 is a kindergarden program that isn't 8 hours plus. I think that is ridiculous. I've heard of parents getting notes sent home that they think their 5 year old is ADD or should be investigated for ADD because they won't pay attention. Seriously? They are 5.
If I were a Mensa candidate (and if my husband would let me), I'd home school. Alas, I'm not a mensa candidate. And I think the other lessons that are taught in school are equally as important in life as academics.
Anyway wish me luck in the search for the perfect educational beginning for my offspring. The task is daunting.
Comments
One, I am amazed at how happy it makes me to watch K interact with his teachers and friends. If you would have asked me before, I would have thought I'd be a little jealous, but--now that I'm in that place--I just love it that he's happy.
Two, I don't think you have to be a genius to homeschool. If I were a different person (i.e. wanted to stay at home) I think I might be seriously considering it. As it is, I read this article just now and you were the first person that popped into my head:
http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/01/29/why-urban-educated-parents-are-turning-to-diy-education.html
Absolutely none of my business, of course. Just wanted to say that I think--if that was your only roadblock--you don't have to be a genius (at least, not at first) and that if anyone would do a good job of it, you would.
But I have to read the article you posted.
And I most definitely fall into the "why would I let someone else get all their firsts" category. Preschool even sort of breaks my heart. He will only be "mine" for a few short years. Than he'll be completely himself and want his friends and his coaches and to play ball in the street. These few years when he wants me around are precious to me. :)