Maybe I sort of kind of subconsciously and totally selfishly wanted Miles and Asher and Elsie to struggle just a little bit with the transition to 2.5 days of daycare.
They’re doing great. They don’t get upset when their Daddy or I drop them off and Elsie is the only one super excited to see me when I come to the door. The boys mostly want to keep playing.
Their care provider (or daycare mama), is probably the most fun and energetic woman I’ve ever met. For example, one night around 9 pm she texted me to ask something in which she mentioned rice krispie bars. I texted back with the answer and also, mmmmm, now I want a rice krispie bar. The next morning, when I dropped the kids off, she handed me a plate of bars.
She’s so cool.
She’s also really creative and adventurous. For instance, the kids love to slide down the huge inflatable water slide in the back yard. Sometimes, just to be silly and make it more exciting, Rosa adds things to the water. Like shampoo! Then the boys really slip down fast and they think it’s the most fantastic thing that’s ever happened to them. And WHY NOT? Right? I mean, shampoo = bubbles and we know that every Elsie and other toddler on the planet is happy around bubbles.
Yesterday the kids worked with clay and another day they made molds of their adorable little feet and then they decorated these sand-like molds with shells and glittery plastic gems.
Recently a friend at daycare got hurt. Rosa had an idea to make him feel better and asked everyone to gather around.
They then made “band-aids” for this boy. A graham cracker, white frosting on the middle section, with a squiggle of red for the “blood” –
All the kids thought this was the best idea ever. I’m sure the boys loved the blood part best. And what a great distraction for the boy with the owie.
Brilliant, I say. I’m going to use it when one of my children is asking for a band-aid when they don’t really need one. Maybe you’ve heard of that.
Anyway. It’s no wonder our kids love Rosa and her house so much, and we’re so grateful. I may have secretly wanted them to miss me, but in reality, I’m so glad they’re happy and comfortable.
I’m okay, too, though I miss them every time they aren’t here. I’m still adjusting, to this time to write and write some more, but I know down deep that this is exactly as it should be for right now.
And now I want to eat a band-aid.
{ 8 comments }
Part of being a parent is raising our kids to be independent, confident humans. It sounds like they are well on their way. Sending the kids off to day care or preschool or even kindergarten is tough, but we need to send them off into the world. And how amazing when they fly!
Meagan recently posted..I refuse to be chattel
It sounds like you’ve got a wonderful arrangement with Rosa. I understand the feelings you describe here though. I’ve been there. It is so much better for them to love their “daycare mama” and to truly want to be there than the alternative (unfortunately I’ve been THERE too).
I fully expected some of that when I finally sent my tiny boy to daycare when he was barely two years old, but after a few minutes of hesitation, he walked right up to the kids who were playing and plopped his diapered butt right down next to them. When I said goodbye, he didn’t even look back. Someone put it straight to me, as I bawled about how he didn’t need me anymore when she said ‘Of course he still needs you, but it’s the highest honor as a parent that your child can thrive without you.’
And I’ve never forgotten that, especially through 13 years of school.
Of course they still need you. But be honored that they thrive without you.
Kate recently posted..inspiration for the bounty
I’ll bet if you hinted at band-aid krispy treats…some might manifest!
Sounds like all is well, and kind of heart-wrenchingly so. All will be well…and do have some sugar. :)
My kids have always had awesome daycare mom/teachers… they have loved them and I have been a tiny bit jealous of their daycare mom/teachers skill with kids and creativity.
Jen recently posted..Night Time Thoughts
Oh I love this. I love that you all love Rosa. Happy mama. Happy kids. Now I want a rice krispie bar.
tracy@sellabitmum recently posted..How To Survive The Minnesota State Fair With Little Kids
You totally just grossed me out EVEN THOUGH I was following you completely! You know what I mean, Vern?
I am going to have a babysitter one afternoon a week and I am starting to go exercise each day for an hour while someone else is watching them. And I’m totally struggling with the whole, I SHOULD be able to do this on my own, right?
If anyone else asked me if they should feel guilty, I would state emphatically, “ABSOLUTELY NOT!”
I’m such a hypocrite!
Gianna recently posted..Guest Post: MInnesota Girl In LA Jamie
Thank you for writing this because, um, I’m at that point in parenting when, I both need a bandaid for my heart and I seem to constantly want to eat. This solves both problems. You’re a gem.
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