Digressing: Private Preschools To Time With Your Child

I spoke to a preschool teacher this morning regarding the preschool attendance interview process. I never really understood what the big deal was…parents competing to get their child accepted to a very expensive preschool. I’m not going to mention the name of the preschool the teacher is from. But, I will say it is on the Upper East Side. The tuition there is at least $20,000 per student, per school year. Just to note, I did read somewhere that it was important for children to attend the best of the best starting in preschool, because this eventually leads to Ivy League universities. Personally, I don’t believe in going broke to send my child to an overly expensive preschool. But, hey, if the parents have the money, why not? (I still wouldn’t go to an interview process.) Because I am a middle middle class person with a middle middle class family, I look at affordability options, and then I look at the curriculum.

I asked the teacher why is it so competitive. She said because spaces in preschools in Manhattan are limited. Hmm…that makes sense. I failed to see the big picture. I guess I only saw my viewpoint on it. I’m Miss Down-To-Earth-No-Fuss-Gal. My belief is that I go inspect the school, not the school to inspect how my child plays and reacts to see if he will be accepted. The teacher said some of the students develop at a normal rate, while others lag behind somewhat. I told her that it was also up to the parents to spend time with the child. I know parents are busy working. And, I cannot lie, I do get caught up doing housework when I should be spending time with my son. But, as parents, we need to spend time with our child everyday. Do not expect your child to learn everything in school. Do not expect the teacher to become a second parent.

I’ve been learning a lot of things lately, thanks to my new classes-curriculum and early childhood language and literacy. And, some of the things I learned are these: 1. Teacher-parent communication is very important. (Get involved in your child's curriculum and build a relationship with the teacher.) 2. Play for children is very important. 3. Reading books to your child EVERYDAY is very important.

So, I say to you parents and to myself, spend more time with your child. Engage in play and inquisitive thought with your child. Read to your child and help your child learn the alphabet and pronunciation of worlds. And, all those busy things you have to do, they can wait. Prepare the meal the night before, if you can, while your child is sleeping, so that you will only have to cook it instead of spending time preparing it. Do your errands/chores when your child is napping or at school. My husband complains I don’t spend enough time with my son. It’s hard when you work full-time, go to school at night and have to do everything else in-between. But, I do try to do things around my son’s awake/free time. I’m not perfect, but I’m trying. You should try too. Our children will be happier children.

My Toothless Son and Me

As my son has now turned one, it has left to wonder about some things-developmental milestone things. I have watched my son like a hawk when it comes to his developmental progress. I have read and searched and pondered about the first year in a child’s life. At first, the fear was not dropping him. It ended with why his teeth aren’t growing The conclusion to all this was to just give up worrying. Each child is different. But, as a new mother, as many first time mothers, I worry. Being an older mother (over 35), I worried throughout my pregnancy if my child was going to be born mentally normal. I felt like I wasn’t strong enough to survive a baby that wasn’t. But, my baby was born mentally normal. And, everyday I thank God for giving me my wish. My husband and I are currently discussing having another baby. Being a devoted Catholic, my husband has helped me become a stronger, better person. He said many times that if any child we have is born out of the ordinary, he/she is going to be our special baby. His words and comfort have made me a little less scared and a little stronger.

So, here I am with a son who is one year old with only 3 lower teeth-crooked ones I might add. But, should I worry that I can’t give him chewy things to chew on because he might choke? No, I just made an adjustment. I do still give him jarred food. But, I (we) also give him all types of food. Anything I eat, I give him small pieces. He does know how to chew very well. The doctor says not to worry, so I’m not worried. My son is happy and content, and as long as he is that’s all that matters to me. So, to hell with the milestones. I just tuck them away in order to keep this mommy sane. Yes, they creep up here and there, but they never take over. So, I say to all you new moms, just enjoy them as they are, because you will never get back that first year. And, now I stroll down the toddler lane hoping I won’t pull my hair out from all the “NO’s” coming my son’s way. And, this is just one mom’s opinion.