Mich
JSP is right, crying is a way of communication. L was howling in his teacher's arms when I left this morning, but when hb went to check a while later, he was seated on the teacher's lap, clapping along as the kids were having their assembly singalong.
I did gradual withdrawal with him. Day one: I was in class. Day two: daddy in class. Day three: daddy partially in class, I only appeared at the school bus when it was time to go home. Today is day four: no parents in class, and I appeared when the school bus dropped them off at our place.
This week in school has been like watching an opera play out before my eyes. And of course I am part of it as well lah! I think L's class has the most crying children, compared to the other classes. Definitely, it has the most kanchiong parents. One mother knocked over an entire shelf of books in her haste to get her child to the front, and another went and stood right in front of a mummy who was trying to take a photo of her child because *she* wanted to take a picture of *her* child. Two daddies were scolding their crying toddlers for crying!? (All these related by hb, who was there.)
Like JSP said, the kids need time to adapt. And it is definitely easier on all parties if we stay away, let the teachers handle the children, and give our toddlers a chance to stand on their own two feet.
Easy to say of course, I am trying to do it as well and often feel like the worst mother in the world. But I know that L will be fine. It's that mother/woman vibe thing.
Trust your instincts on whether Eboy is okay/will be okay. You know him best, so you will be able to tell, and differentiate the kind of crying. Keep talking to the teachers about his progress. Let him bring a favourite toy to school? S enjoyed decorating his communication book and name tag with stickers that he liked, and bringing his book/vehicle of the moment with him. That helped. With L, it's a lot of hugs and kisses and reassurance. And instant access to the boob once he's home ;p
That bit about all activities happening in one small cramped room is disturbing though. We put S & L in this kindy partly 'cos of the large open green spaces for children to run around and play. They get tired better that way, and therefore more compliant, haha! Right now I am just relieved that we have all made it through. I intend to reward myself with some chocolate tonight.
Cellow/Batgirl
Sayang and hugs to mummies and little ones!
Kolo mee confession
You know, I have never eaten this before.
Dor Dor
Okie, will email you tonight, k? Thanks!
Underwater World
We went on Wednesday. It's been renovated/upgraded? since we last visited. Had fun looking at the fish and L got splashed by a sting ray at the ray pool, hahahahaha! Then had a nice walk along the beach (which was so built up it almost had more building than sand) but had to walk fast to escape the incoming rain. Sentosa is very civilised now!
