Baby goes to school

The youngest of my two sons started Montessori school yesterday.

It's a pretty big deal for him. Unlike his brother, Cameron, who went to daycare at age one, 3-year-old Alister has only ever been cared for by his parents or a nanny. Being a neglected second child, he hasn't even been registered in much in the way of playgroups or lessons.

Instead, he's been in the embrace of the fun and affectionate circle of nannies who care for many children in our neighbourhood. His playgroup has been story-time at our local Chapters. His days have been filled with trips to our local playgrounds and libraries, lunches rotating at through the houses of his little friends, their nannies taking turns making Chicken Adobo and other Filipino favourites. He's even learned to nap snuggled next to a friend, and has always ends his days in the comfort of his own home, ready to shout, "Mommy/Daddy! You're HERE!" when either of us walks in the door.

But Monday was the beginning of a new era in his young life. Since his brother is four years older, he's been keen on this concept of school, particularly on wearing a "packpack."

He was pretty proud of himself on the walk to school...

...even if his legs did get a little tired.

But when we got to the school, a lot of strangers starting talking to him. And the person who greeted him at the door of the cloakroom - the threshold of which parents are not to cross - was the French-speaking assistant. He screamed and cried as we handed him over.

I did not get a picture of that.

If I had, it might have been a self-portrait of a red-eyed mom and with a so-called journalistic specialty in parenting, one who knows you need to kiss goodbye with a smile on your face, cut and run, but who nevertheless cried because she could hear her child crying from DOWN THE HALL.

But, naturally, some fatherly espionage revealed that just five minutes later, his tears were dried and he was exploring the space with his new teacher.

The verdict at the end of the day? "It was fun! I had zert." (Zert being Alister code for "dessert.")

This morning there were a few more tears. "I already went to school. I want to go to Chapters."

But we'll get there. Meanwhile, I'm staying confident in our decision that Montessori school is a great environment for him, and a childcare arrangement that will work for our family.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Comments

[Aven]

I went through that on Friday -- even though my son's been in daycare from 9 months! He still had to be dragged off me by his teacher. I walked away sobbing... but fortunately his lovely teacher sent me an email an hour later, telling me that he'd calmed down quickly and was now playing happily outside. And he's clearly really enjoying his time there.

I knew he'd be fine, but wow it's heart-wrenching to walk away from those tears!

[Brandie Weikle]

Don't you love it when teachers are that communicative and tuned in to YOUR needs, too? That's great. Thanks for sharing, Aven.

[Sheryl]

My 2.5 year old son just started Montessori school yesterday. He had previously been at a very small home daycare 3 days a week. Yesterday was OK - no tears at drop-off but his teacher said that he cried a few times during the day and wanted his mommy. Today he was OK in the morning but melted down near lunch time and my husband went to pick him up. I am feeling terrible mommy guilt, and I hope that he adjusts to his new environment soon :(

[Alyssa]

We're in the exact same situation with our littlest, G. It's been a rough week. Mostly the tears and tantrums have been occuring on my watch though, when he's home from school. I'm convinced, though, after almost 3 years in my care alone, he needs some out-of-home socialization