Friday, January 20, 2012

From toddler to preschooler

My baby is no longer a baby...

Last Friday he started playschool. That was a great decision as far as we're concerned. He was more than ready. This child of mine is turning out to be a real social butterfly - like his Grandad.

This would be the first time I would be leaving him in the care of someone besides his granny or Ouma. I was quite nervous, but at the same time really exited and peaceful that it was the right time. I decided that for this year I only want him to go 3 days a week from 9 - 12, as I read that a toddler can only benefit from one hour of social time for every year of his age.

So, worried about tears and separation anxiety I bought a great book called first day at school. It has stickers and activities about the first day at school. We read it very often in the weeks coming up to school. I also made a note of talking him through what was going to happen nearly every day. I explained in great detail what would happen step by step as if I was telling a story. A story about E going to school, and playing with his friends. That mommy was going to take him in the car, and say "bye-bye' for a little while, but that I would come and pick him up later. I also explained that school isn't a place for mommies, but that mommy will always come and fetch him. I saw on his face when he realised that I wont be coming with him to school that he was a little upset - but that helped him get used to the idea of me leaving him BEFORE he realises at the school that I'm leaving him.

I'm so blessed that there was NO tears or anxiety. He would actually happily kiss me goodbye and run off to the slide.I would always make a point of being the first mom there so that he didn't have to wait for me to arrive after seeing all the other moms greet their children. I would think that would cause some anxiety.

But luckily the new season sf school is turning out to be a pleasant and successful one, and this will give me some time in the morning to do some work and when the new baby comes... to have some quality time with him/her.

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