The Baby Expert: School is Cool

Looks like we may have finally turned the corner with Caitlyn. We had feared the first day of nursery might have been a fluke and that upon returning the next few times, she would be kicking, screaming, and crying to be taken back home. However, that has not been the case. For the past few weeks, the wife has been dropping Caitlyn off without a problem. A simple goodbye and off Caitlyn goes.

According to the teacher, Caitlyn’s favorite activity is to watch the babies in the nursery. She also likes communing with nature and helping around the classroom. The teacher has even gone as far as to say that Caitlyn is a very well-behaved child. Not sure if he’s saying that just to keep our business, but I’m definitely pleased to hear this. The only thing is she hasn’t shown too much interest in really engaging with any of the other toddlers, but hopefully she’ll slowly come around.

Because she’s become so well-adjusted there, we decided to try having her stay the whole day instead of just half the day starting this week. The wife struggled with this decision for a bit because she worried about whether or not this would reflect poorly on us as parents. Would people question us for sending our baby, who’s not even 2 years old yet, to school so early and for the whole day?

But the truth of the matter is, she loves being there, has the opportunity to interact with others her age, and is obviously learning a lot. Plus, it’s not often that Caitlyn’s so willing to leave Mommy’s side. So, is there really a downside? Who cares what other people think. We’re not sending our kid to a slave camp that’s making her memorize her times tables and turning her into a zombie or churn out designer label shoes.

This also creates the opportunity for the wife to have time to do other things rather than just waiting there to pick up Caitlyn. She’s already talking about getting back in shape, signing up for classes, or looking for a part-time job. Anything that takes her mind off of worrying about Caitlyn is a good thing.

Thanks to the school for sending photos of Caitlyn in action!