Daycare...
I have a love/hate relationship with daycare. In general, I think daycare is kinda great for kids. I would have preferred not to have my kids in full time daycare as infants, but as toddlers and preschoolers I am behind it 100%.
I'm not sure that I'd want to be home 24/7 with two children. So daycare allows me that. My kids have walked early, talked early, fed themselves early...I would like to take all the credit for my amazing children, but I also know that daycare plays a role. They are constantly around children of varying age and ability. It pushes them to take that step early or ask for a drink early.
There are quite a few things about daycare that I don't like. The kids are always sick. I have very limited time with the kids. Someone else gets to spend all day with them. I don't get to know and see every detail of their daily routine.
However, at my specific daycare I have another issue. The owner. We don't mesh well. Now, if my life had been normal over the last year and a half, I would have taken my kids out of this place. Not because it's dirty, or unorganized, or that my kids aren't loved. It is immaculately clean. The owner is meticulous. The owner and her staff love my children. But she and I, we just don't always see eye to eye. She doesn't deliberately defy me, but she often disagrees with me in an argumentative way. She's not super professional.
For instance, Freddie bit a child a couple of months ago. In the past, when I had the kids in a professionally run daycare center, if a kid was bit or did bite the parent heard about it. But there were no names involved. Ainsley got bit a few times, and I never knew who. When Freddie bit a boy while they were playing (not out of anger or aggression), the owner told me about it in front of other mothers and told me who he bit. It would stand to reason that she also told the mother of the bit child. She then proceeded to ask me to "Please talk to him at home." She wanted me to please talk to my 22 month old about biting? Not when it actually happened, but hours later when we were home? Hmmm...I just don't see that sticking.
I didn't like that she said anything in front of other mothers. I don't want Freddie to be known as the kid that bites. If one of those kids gets bit by another kid, I don't want them to assume it's Freddie.
Just last night we had another altercation. Over baby wipes. I have always felt that this daycare uses WAY too many wipes. I am constantly bringing them wipes, almost weekly. Since I use cloth diapers, I clean them out when I get home. Sometimes I find 10-15 wipes rolled up in a wet (non dirty) diaper. That is insane! I've never said anything, because I don't want to tell her how to run her business...but it does bother me.
On Thursday they asked for more wipes (shocker!). Thursday was a busy night of laundry and packing for our weekend trip. I didn't have time in my evening to run out to get wipes. So I gave her what I had at home. A half pack of wipes. It was on my mental list to get more this week. These wipes should have lasted 2-3 days.
Yesterday, she asks for wipes again. In my mind I wanted to scream. But I opened my mouth to say "Okay" when she started. It was something along the lines of "We asked for wipes and you only brought in a few and I can't be using other people's wipes on your children." And just something about the way she said it made me snap a little bit...but I kept my calm.
I said "I know I didn't bring you a lot, but I think what I brought should have lasted a few days. I'm planning on bringing you more this week." But she didn't listen to me...she just talked over me. And because I was just getting angrier, I didn't listen to her - I just kept talking.
I left and just got angrier and angrier. It makes me want to start my kids in a new daycare tomorrow.
But I know that wouldn't be good for them. We've already made the decision that Ainsley should stay there until she starts school in September. We just don't like the idea of moving her now and moving her again for school.
So 4 months...then Freddie will move to a more convenient location and Ainsley will start Kindergarten. It's just so frustrating, but I do believe it's best for the kids.
I'll just have to bite my tongue until then.
Showing posts with label daycare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label daycare. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Friday, November 18, 2011
According to Ainsley - Playtime
Me: Okay Ainsley, but we can only play for a bit before I have to go make dinner.
Ainsley (whiney): But Mooooommmmmmy! I want to play dollies.
Me: Well, you can play while I make dinner.
Ainsley (again, whiney): Nooooooooooo, I want you to play with me.
Me: Ainsley, we'll play for 10 minutes, but I have to make dinner. You are able to play on your own sometimes.
Ainsley (sad): I can't play by myself.
Me: How about we just play?
So we play with the barbie dolls and dozens of little princess figurines that are the babies. All the babies get dropped off at daycare and the teachers begin the day. I get a little glimpse into what life is like for Ainsley at daycare. She orders me around to match her daycare day.
Ainsley (again, bossy): Okay, now it's time for the babies to go down for a morning nappy. But the big girl, who is 4, she gets to play and watch Dora.
Me: Is that what happens at your school? All the babies go to sleep and then you play and watch Dora?
Ainsley: Yes.
Me: What do your teachers do then?
Ainsley: They are rocking the babies and feeding the babies bottles and then they clean up from breakfast.
Me: Do they play with you?
Ainsley: No, I play by myself.
Me: Okay, well now it's time for me to make dinner, so you can play by yourself.
Ainsley (crying): NOOOOOOOO!
Me: Ainsley, if you play by yourself at school, why can't you play by yourself here?
Ainsley (cross between duh mom and sweet as pie): Because you're here Mommy.
Me (putty in hands): Oh...okay...well...I guess I can wait to make dinner.
I think we had grilled cheese that night instead of the dinner I had planned.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Nagging Questions
I've had a little voice nagging me for months now. Pushing, pulling, arguing.
Before we moved, Ainsley and Freddie were in a structured daycare environment. It was like Preschool. But it was daycare, because I work full time and Preschool? Not full time.
Now, they are at the home of a woman who runs her own daycare center in her basement. It's a very nice place, and mostly I'm happy with it.
But...
Ainsley is the oldest child there, by a year.
Although they have "classroom time," I don't know that it's comprehensive enough.
She'll be 4 in a month and I worry that she's in the wrong environment.
Another but...
I can't afford a more expensive daycare.
Since this place is convenient to our current living situation, we most likely will change when we move and I don't want to switch her multiple times.
Preschool is not full time, so that is not an option.
So I go back and forth, argue with myself, wonder if I'm making the right decisions for her future. I know that she is so young, but I can't help but worry that she won't be in the right place come Kindergarten.
A few months back I decided we'd have our own little classroom time at home...but people? I am no teacher. But what I am? Is a mother to TWO children, a wife, a housekeeper, a cook, a playmate, a dog owner, a full time employee. Basically, my plan has not panned out. I just don't have the extra time to spend learning letters and the sounds they make.
So now I am in the worry zone again. Do I suck it up and just find the money somewhere to send her elsewhere? Even if that means cutting back on things like groceries and needed supplies? Do I keep her up later at night so we can play school?
I'm not sure what the answer is. What is the plan for your child's Pre-K education? Any advice is greatly appreciated because I can't seem to find anyone in my similar situation.
Before we moved, Ainsley and Freddie were in a structured daycare environment. It was like Preschool. But it was daycare, because I work full time and Preschool? Not full time.
Now, they are at the home of a woman who runs her own daycare center in her basement. It's a very nice place, and mostly I'm happy with it.
But...
Ainsley is the oldest child there, by a year.
Although they have "classroom time," I don't know that it's comprehensive enough.
She'll be 4 in a month and I worry that she's in the wrong environment.
Another but...
I can't afford a more expensive daycare.
Since this place is convenient to our current living situation, we most likely will change when we move and I don't want to switch her multiple times.
Preschool is not full time, so that is not an option.
So I go back and forth, argue with myself, wonder if I'm making the right decisions for her future. I know that she is so young, but I can't help but worry that she won't be in the right place come Kindergarten.
A few months back I decided we'd have our own little classroom time at home...but people? I am no teacher. But what I am? Is a mother to TWO children, a wife, a housekeeper, a cook, a playmate, a dog owner, a full time employee. Basically, my plan has not panned out. I just don't have the extra time to spend learning letters and the sounds they make.
So now I am in the worry zone again. Do I suck it up and just find the money somewhere to send her elsewhere? Even if that means cutting back on things like groceries and needed supplies? Do I keep her up later at night so we can play school?
I'm not sure what the answer is. What is the plan for your child's Pre-K education? Any advice is greatly appreciated because I can't seem to find anyone in my similar situation.
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Best Part of My Day
My commute to work in the morning is long, but my commute home always seems much longer. I find myself racing the clock...can I get there quicker today than I did yesterday? If I make these lights I'll beat my best time. Maybe there's a shorter route, a quicker cut-through, a less traveled path. I'm always trying new roads, new ways, new directions all to get to the same place.
In the evening the radio station is replaying the exact same talk show I listened to that morning, so normally it's just background noise that fills the silent air. My mind wanders to chores that need to be done that night, what I'm making for dinner, bills that need to be paid, things that need to be done in the Richmond house...but mostly I think about them. I think about the moment that I see them. It's always the best part of my day.
Ainsley will be telling her teachers stories of our plans for the night. She'll go into great detail about visiting aunts and uncles or dance class or going to Richmond. Freddie will be with a toy. Pushing it, shaking it, pounding it or whatever is most fun and loud to do with that particular toy. Then they'll see me and they'll drop whatever they're doing and make their way to me.
Those thoughts push me to get there sooner. They're the reason I hate the traffic and curse the other drivers. My life with them is crazy and hectic and forever on the move...but any time I spend away from them, I spend missing them.
I park along the curb and walk up the driveway to the large house on the corner. This is where they spend most of their day. I let myself in and slip off my shoes...no shoes allowed in the daycare portion of the house.
I walk down the stairs and I hear them before I see them. They are happy, I hear it in their voices and laughter. I emerge into the spacious basement.
Hi Ainsley!
MOMMY!!!!
She runs to me and wraps her thin arms around my upper thighs.
Did you have a good day? I ask.
By this time Freddie hears my voice and he is squealing like we rarely hear him laugh. He toddles toward me, faster every day.
Hi Freddie! I say as I scoop him up and give his soft, squishy cheek a big kiss. He giggles and wraps his chubby arms tightly around my neck.
The three of us are one giant hug of laughter and love. Yes, this is definitely the best part of my day.
In the evening the radio station is replaying the exact same talk show I listened to that morning, so normally it's just background noise that fills the silent air. My mind wanders to chores that need to be done that night, what I'm making for dinner, bills that need to be paid, things that need to be done in the Richmond house...but mostly I think about them. I think about the moment that I see them. It's always the best part of my day.
Ainsley will be telling her teachers stories of our plans for the night. She'll go into great detail about visiting aunts and uncles or dance class or going to Richmond. Freddie will be with a toy. Pushing it, shaking it, pounding it or whatever is most fun and loud to do with that particular toy. Then they'll see me and they'll drop whatever they're doing and make their way to me.
Those thoughts push me to get there sooner. They're the reason I hate the traffic and curse the other drivers. My life with them is crazy and hectic and forever on the move...but any time I spend away from them, I spend missing them.
I park along the curb and walk up the driveway to the large house on the corner. This is where they spend most of their day. I let myself in and slip off my shoes...no shoes allowed in the daycare portion of the house.
I walk down the stairs and I hear them before I see them. They are happy, I hear it in their voices and laughter. I emerge into the spacious basement.
Hi Ainsley!
MOMMY!!!!
She runs to me and wraps her thin arms around my upper thighs.
Did you have a good day? I ask.
By this time Freddie hears my voice and he is squealing like we rarely hear him laugh. He toddles toward me, faster every day.
Hi Freddie! I say as I scoop him up and give his soft, squishy cheek a big kiss. He giggles and wraps his chubby arms tightly around my neck.
The three of us are one giant hug of laughter and love. Yes, this is definitely the best part of my day.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
EEL
Ainsley has known how to spell her name for a long time. If you don't believe me, click here.
It's always been the same..."A - I - N - eSSS - eeL - E - Y."
She also puts that little drawl on all words ending -ell and -ill. I'm sure you all remember the "What the Heel!" incident.
Hill = Heil
Hell = Heel
L = eel
And so forth...
So yesterday, we are driving home from daycare and Ainsley is talking...she's always talking and her vocabulary is just growing by leaps and bounds. She uses words like "actually" and "suddenly" these days.
She says Mommy?
Yes Ainsley?
I don't know how to make the "N" in my name. I know how to draw A and baby i, but I don't know how to draw baby n.
I smile and say Well how about when we get home, I'll show you how to write them. How about you just say the letters for me now.
A - I - N - eSSS - L - E - Y
Wait, say it again...
A - I - N - eSSS - L - E - Y
Who told you to say L that way?
No answer, just a blank stare.
Don't you say eeL?
Laughter. Mommy, that is so silly. You don't say eeL you say L. Silly mommy!
Is it wrong for me to want her to keep that little drawl forever? Just one more little thing that slips away as she grows into a little girl. Not sure I'm going to make it to adulthood.
It's always been the same..."A - I - N - eSSS - eeL - E - Y."
She also puts that little drawl on all words ending -ell and -ill. I'm sure you all remember the "What the Heel!" incident.
Hill = Heil
Hell = Heel
L = eel
And so forth...
So yesterday, we are driving home from daycare and Ainsley is talking...she's always talking and her vocabulary is just growing by leaps and bounds. She uses words like "actually" and "suddenly" these days.
She says Mommy?
Yes Ainsley?
I don't know how to make the "N" in my name. I know how to draw A and baby i, but I don't know how to draw baby n.
I smile and say Well how about when we get home, I'll show you how to write them. How about you just say the letters for me now.
A - I - N - eSSS - L - E - Y
Wait, say it again...
A - I - N - eSSS - L - E - Y
Who told you to say L that way?
No answer, just a blank stare.
Don't you say eeL?
Laughter. Mommy, that is so silly. You don't say eeL you say L. Silly mommy!
Is it wrong for me to want her to keep that little drawl forever? Just one more little thing that slips away as she grows into a little girl. Not sure I'm going to make it to adulthood.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Jaime’s list of things to do before you go to bed on the eve of starting a new job
CHIRP!
1 – Pack bag for daycare. Include diapers, wipes, sippy cups, food, blankets, toys, extra clothes, picture of mommy and daddy and immunization forms. It probably would be a good idea…
CHIRP!
…to actually speak to the daycare provider as well. That way you’d know if your children were going to get breakfast in the morning, if they needed their own crib sheets and if you could come earlier than the 7AM opening. Instead, obsess over the fact that you didn’t call and create a mental list of all your excuses so you are prepared if said daycare provider questions you.
2 – Bathe children. Make sure they are super clean and smell good for their new school in the morning. Although, baths can be a pain. Freddie splashes like crazy and I end up all wet. Ainsley doesn’t listen and cries when I wash her hair. I’m really…
CHIRP!
…in no mood to fight with them over this and wow, is it 7:30 already?!?! No wonder Freddie is fussy. Okay, I will bathe children tomorrow night.
3 – Pack a healthy lunch. I’m going to loose weight and feel good and I’m going to start by packing a lunch of fruits and veggies and a light sandwich. Try not to forget that the lunch is in the refrigerator when you are leaving the following morning.
CHIRP!
4 – Do a dry run of your commute. This is especially important if you are working in a big city where you don’t know your way around because you haven’t worked there in 8 years. Most likely, it is best if you drive and not sit in the very back of the minivan where you can’t see the street signs or the GPS. It also would be wise…
CHIRP!
… to get parking taken care of before you actually start instead of feeling the anxiety in your stomach until the very moment that you pull in the next day. For future reference, most likely you will be able to park in one of the 5 million parking garages within walking distance of your new office. Very unlikely that they are all full at 7:30AM. Probably not necessary to worry about that.
5 – Go to bed early and…
CHIRP!
…get a good night’s sleep. Also, it’s a very good idea to get your 3 year old to bed early so she’s not a huge pain the next morning. It is probably not the best decision to allow her to be awake until 10PM when the alarm goes off at 5AM. On that same...
CHIRP!
...note, it would probably be best to have your children sleeping through the night and in their own beds before taking on the challenge of a new…
CHIRP!
…job. It probably wasn’t the best idea to just let the kids sleep with you whenever because you were too tired to deal with it. And maybe you should just suck it up and let them cry a little instead of rushing to their bedside at the smallest noise. Also, I hear Benadryl works wonders!
CHIRP! CHIRP!
Finally…
CHIRP!
...and this is really important.
CHIRP!
I mean it's probably the most important part of the checklist.
6 – CHIRP! Make sure your smoke alarms have brand new…
CHIRP!
…batteries. Or it’s possible the chirping will wake you up…
CHIRP!
…all night long.
1 – Pack bag for daycare. Include diapers, wipes, sippy cups, food, blankets, toys, extra clothes, picture of mommy and daddy and immunization forms. It probably would be a good idea…
CHIRP!
…to actually speak to the daycare provider as well. That way you’d know if your children were going to get breakfast in the morning, if they needed their own crib sheets and if you could come earlier than the 7AM opening. Instead, obsess over the fact that you didn’t call and create a mental list of all your excuses so you are prepared if said daycare provider questions you.
2 – Bathe children. Make sure they are super clean and smell good for their new school in the morning. Although, baths can be a pain. Freddie splashes like crazy and I end up all wet. Ainsley doesn’t listen and cries when I wash her hair. I’m really…
CHIRP!
…in no mood to fight with them over this and wow, is it 7:30 already?!?! No wonder Freddie is fussy. Okay, I will bathe children tomorrow night.
3 – Pack a healthy lunch. I’m going to loose weight and feel good and I’m going to start by packing a lunch of fruits and veggies and a light sandwich. Try not to forget that the lunch is in the refrigerator when you are leaving the following morning.
CHIRP!
4 – Do a dry run of your commute. This is especially important if you are working in a big city where you don’t know your way around because you haven’t worked there in 8 years. Most likely, it is best if you drive and not sit in the very back of the minivan where you can’t see the street signs or the GPS. It also would be wise…
CHIRP!
… to get parking taken care of before you actually start instead of feeling the anxiety in your stomach until the very moment that you pull in the next day. For future reference, most likely you will be able to park in one of the 5 million parking garages within walking distance of your new office. Very unlikely that they are all full at 7:30AM. Probably not necessary to worry about that.
5 – Go to bed early and…
CHIRP!
…get a good night’s sleep. Also, it’s a very good idea to get your 3 year old to bed early so she’s not a huge pain the next morning. It is probably not the best decision to allow her to be awake until 10PM when the alarm goes off at 5AM. On that same...
CHIRP!
...note, it would probably be best to have your children sleeping through the night and in their own beds before taking on the challenge of a new…
CHIRP!
…job. It probably wasn’t the best idea to just let the kids sleep with you whenever because you were too tired to deal with it. And maybe you should just suck it up and let them cry a little instead of rushing to their bedside at the smallest noise. Also, I hear Benadryl works wonders!
CHIRP! CHIRP!
Finally…
CHIRP!
...and this is really important.
CHIRP!
I mean it's probably the most important part of the checklist.
6 – CHIRP! Make sure your smoke alarms have brand new…
CHIRP!
…batteries. Or it’s possible the chirping will wake you up…
CHIRP!
…all night long.
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