It’s summer time….
And we were outdoors as usual this weekend.
That is, after I woke up from the the stupor I was in from working so hard last week. I had to work Friday night and Sunday night too, so I just had to squeeze in what I could in between work and sleep.
But Pookah makes it alright. He is the light of my life right now, even when he is acting like a defiant two year old. His first week with the new teacher (who we will call Ms. P) was OK. He survived. Even though I did have a couple of issues.
First, they told me to stop carrying Pookah into school. Well,
- A: He’s almost too big to do that anyway
- B: We only do it occasionally when I’m in a hurry or he is feeling needy. And
- C: He’s my child and if I want to carry him when he’s six I will.
And my other problem is this:
There seems to be this whole movement in childcare to get these children as independent as possible as soon as possible. They want your child to be able to basically do everything for themselves NOW. Pookah can do most things I think that he should be able to do. He can take off his clothes, pull his pants up and down, and feed himself. I thought that was enough for now. Now, this whole summer for instance, is focused on potty taining. Now, I agree that the potty training needs to commense NOW. BUT, not at the expense of playing, learing and being a two year old. I happened to drop by unexpectedly on Friday to drop something off. Pookah and his classmates were just sitting at tables waiting for their turn to go pee. She takes each one every 20 minutes over and over all day long.
Sooooooo…..when do they play? Do they go outside? Is this why when Pookah came home from school last week, he constantly wanted to “play”? Why he had an ENORMOUS amount of energy???
I don’t know if that is going to work for me.
I mean, aren’t two year olds SUPPOSED to play? Am I missing something important here?
It’s something I’ve got to think on.
Yes, I’m delighted that my child knows his ABC’s and can count to 20. I’m delighted that he can say the pledge of allegiance and knows his shapes and some colors. And yes, I’m VERY happy that he can sit still for an extended period of time.
But he’s two. Am I wrong to be concerned that suddenly daycare has become school?
Are they expecting too much of my child? Or am I expecting too little?
I guess I just want him to be able to be a child for as long as possible. I know he is growing up, but still. What do you guys think? Am I overthinking this or am I right to be concerned?
What would you do?
Iiona
Wednesday 6th of June 2012
So I'm going to speak from the stand point of a childcare teacher, but not the one who thinks like the one your child has.
For me as a childcare teacher that would be a red flag:
1. forcing children to sit and "wait" to all go potty seems just idiotic and more than a 2 year olds focus can handle (typically a 2 year olds focus is at max 2 minutes)
2. That seems extreme, yes having a certain time to all go potty is fine. But making each one wait at a table is above and beyond what I would ever do. She can switch it around where she lets the kiddos play and call them back to the bathroom one at a time (or however many can fit in the open potty stalls).
I agree with the other mommies, it's your child and you can hold/carry him/her in as long as you want. I can however see what they are getting at, but again this is a 2 year old not a 4 year old.
I would be on guard if the center is not a playbased center. Studies have shown that play is the best way to learn. You might think they are just playing in water but they are learning about so much when it comes to water.
I am SUPER picky when it comes to the center's my children go to, if I would never work there my kiddos would never go there. I have had bad experiences where I have walked into my sons room at school and seen a teacher holding him by his arms at her eye level, shaking him because he was upset and crying (mind you he was not even 2 years old yet). And the last I checked kids crying because they are upset is normal.
I don't want to alarm you I just know if it's not the best my kiddos will never step foot in the place. But that's just me and I know what to look for in a center because I am an Early Childhood Teacher and I will pay to send them to a good preschool that truly understands children and how they learn...
Sorry for the mini book :-)
rosesdaughter
Wednesday 6th of June 2012
I don't mind the mini book!! Thank you do much for your advice! I am thinking along the same lines, just trying to decide what exactly to do about it.
KalleyC
Wednesday 6th of June 2012
No, I don't think you're over reacting. He's only two, I think they are asking for too much too soon. But that's me. I think at this age, it's great that he can count and know his colors and shapes, but a child needs to play. He'll have plenty of time to sit in school. What happened to preschool these days?
rosesdaughter
Wednesday 6th of June 2012
I keep asking everyone: shouldn't two year olds be playing???? Don't they learn by play at this age????
Stesha
Tuesday 5th of June 2012
Of course you're not overreacting. You're being a loving mama. I think also the teacher is just trying to help the parents with potty training which is a plus in my opinion. I agree with Sarah, ask what the outdoor activity times are.
Hugs and Mocha, Stesha
rosesdaughter
Wednesday 6th of June 2012
I know she's trying to help, I just don't think I like her way of going about it!
adrienne
Tuesday 5th of June 2012
You aren't overreacting at all. He will learn at his pace.
rosesdaughter
Wednesday 6th of June 2012
And now he's reverting! Refusing to go at all! *cries*
Sarah M.
Monday 4th of June 2012
Our daycare told us that GA law is that kids get at least a certain amount of time outside each day, I think it was 1.5 hrs outside total, if they are in full time daycare...I might ask what the day is looking like now that they are potty training.
rosesdaughter
Wednesday 6th of June 2012
Yes, it is the law! I checked on it too!