M started half-day childcare at Schoolhouse by the Garden this Monday. I was allowed to stay in the centre for 3 days to ease her in, which I did. And so far so good. She visited the school once and has been excited about starting school. To prepare her for school, I’ve been reading the above book for the past 2 months. And every time we pass by a childcare centre, I’ll point out that all the children are without mummies and follow their teachers’ instructions.
On her first day, we arrived in time for breakfast and I sat behind her while she eat her cornflakes. She was probably a little unsure and looked back at me a few times. After that, the teachers brought the children to a play corner with blocks and cooking toys. M got excited and I decided to make a quick exit, said goodbye and went out of eye-shot. I hanged around for the rest of the morning, taking peeps from time to time. After her lunch, I asked her if she wants to pee and brought her to the toilet. As I wasn’t sure if she’ll tell her teachers when she needs to pee, she wore diaper that day. Overall, she did well.
On Tuesday, they had water play and M joined in. But when she got splashed water in her face, she cried. I went to take a look while the teacher was undressing her to give her a quick shower. After the shower, she was crying “mummy carry…” so I helped to dress her. She calmed down when she started to play with the toys. She did not eat much for lunch so I went into the kitchen to feed her and she finished one bowl.
On Wednesday, I sat outside the centre mostly. I informed the teachers that she’s not wearing diaper so they’ll have to remind her to toilet. Around 10+, I heard M crying “mummy carry… i want to go…”. It went on for a long while, I was very tempted to have a look but held myself back. I heard one teacher trying to pacify her but she continued wailing, lasting about 30 min, until lunch time. I found out later that one boy had hit M’s head with the bubble stick and she retaliated by scratching his face. The teacher told her off and she started to cry. Cavemen!
We did not go yesterday as she had lessons at Little Neuro Tree. So, today was her real test. We were actually quite nervous! I left after her teacher carried her into the kitchen for breakfast. She wined a little but did not cry. I said goodbye and made a quick exit. I jumped when my phone rang around 10. Haha… it was mum! And when I picked her up at 12.30pm, she was happily playing blocks with 2 other girls. Her teacher said she did not cry and everything went well.
I’m most surprised seeing how she enjoys playing with other kids. Even though she plays with cousin S very often, M has never played so readily with other kids. She’s diaper free in school too! She’s usually reluctant to use toilets outside home. And she seems to be enjoying herself, telling us what she did in school and looking forward to school.
As for me, I miss seeing how she reacts to different situations, which I could in accompanied lessons. But I got a few hours of free time this morning in return. Not a bad deal at all. I guess it’s time to let go…
11 December 2009 – Megan’s Independence Day!
However, we believe she did not get it from school. She came home fine on Friday and stayed well till late Sunday night, when she coughed a few times. I was not overly concerned then.
