It has been more than two weeks now but it still amazes me that Adhya has finished one year of schooling.
Thinking back, it was not easy - not for her and not for us.
She assumed that her preschool was a glorified play area, sans parents. She was excited, happy and all over the place. It took quite a bit of effort to make her realize that a classroom is a place with a few dos and don'ts. So yeah running around was not always ok, we have to sit and listen to stories even if it is not our favorite book and the toys all belong to the teacher :) It took awhile but I'm very happy with where she is now. I know now that understanding where you are and getting along is one of the main learnings to take away from a preschool. Not to forget the challenges of health and climate, we are quite happy with the progress.
And yes, almost four years into it, I think I can say that parenting is not really that competitive as we make it to be. Every mom in whatever way she can is doing the best for her kid. And most of them are ready to share their success stories with you about how they helped their kid to learn sharing, adjusting to school, eating(??) etc. And sometimes, you just have to ask. Trust me, there are many nice ideas that you can get from other moms, elders, books and blogs.And it requires quite a talent to sift through all of them and pick the right ones that come your way. It can be overwhelming but every mom knows what to do :)
― Maya Angelou
So to all the moms whose kid is moving up a class or beginning school, all the very best!
Have you read, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" with your kid? It is a beautiful book and one of our favorites. We have a battered, held-together-with-many-tapes copy and we love it. The other day after we had some fruits, Adhya said, "Amma, I'm eating all the fruits like the caterpillar".
Me: "Good".
Adhya: "If I sleep now, will I become a butterfly?"
Me, trying the biggest flop trick for the umpteenth time: "No, you should eat a lots of vegetables, fruits and
drink milk regularly to become a butterfly".
While she is considering if it is really worth all the effort to try and become a butterfly, I am going to enjoy my little caterpillar for a while!
Well said Ramya, pre-school certainly makes the kids understand that other tiny tots like them exist. It teaches very important lessons like sharing, playing together and understanding that they cannot always get the attention that the parents give them :)
ReplyDeletetruly said Ramya, parenting should never be competitive, if it did then we will surely miss out all the good ways others are bringing up their kids.
Never read the hungry caterpillar Ramya, will check it out next time I am at your place.
and rofl on cutie pie becoming a butterfly :)..
the rate at which kids grow the day is not far when they will become a butterfly and yes lets enjoy the caterpillars until then :)
You are right Anu :) It might be a little harsh for them but they soon see that it is ok not being the center of attention...they adapt easily.
DeleteAdi knows the hungry caterpillar... we have read it almost everyday when she used to come here.... :)
Well said!! Motherhood is hardly a race, especially since every mother is on a unique track!! We love The Hungry Caterpillar too, and it was a bedtime staple till Cub got bored of it. Now it's all books about trucks and vehicles :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Fab :)
DeleteI have seen many boys go crazy over cars, trucks and fire engines. Hope you enjoy them too along with cub :)
Oh I have gone through this stage and every stage of life of a kid is exciting and something new to learn. It does not get easier but it definitely is rewarding.
ReplyDeletewww.thoughtsofpaps.com
Very true...
DeleteThank you Paps :)
Thank you Ira :)
ReplyDelete