Yes, 10 steps back not just one. Before Charlotte started Kinder I commented to my Mum that She may need to stay here at our home with Charlotte on Mondays (my supposed work day) rather than taking Charlotte back to her place.

Now did I bring that into existence with my thoughts or was I just being a tuned in Mum? Maybe a mixture of  both.

Anyway, last Monday Charlotte was beside herself verging on hysterical once She hopped into Mum’s car. She had
an iron grip on me and no matter what was said, She wasn’t going to let go and everytime I tried to prise her hands off me, She clung even tighter. Ouch! And cried uncontrollably with panic written all over her face.

Leaving Is Usually Smooth

Mostly, Charlotte goes off quite well to Mums. She looks sad at times, but goes without too much fuss nonetheless. After trying to negotiate for maybe 10 minutes I asked Mum if  She could stay at our place whilst I got some work done. Mum was not happy and commented that Charlotte has me wrapped around her little finger. I said ‘And so She should have, She is only 4 yrs old!’ It is so rare for Charlotte to be that upset, so I wasn’t about to ignore her. She even verbalised that I was hurting her feelings and making her sad.

If  it was a friend or family member or any adult for that matter, I would not be ignoring their feelings, so why should I ignore my daughters feelings during these incredibly informative years? (more…)

I don’t quite recognise my own child here. Charlotte was having such a wonderful time at her friends home.  And so was I just watching her. This getup brought a smile to my dial, that’s for sure.

Dressing for the occasion.

Have a wonderful time checking out more Wordless Wednesday posts at 5minutesformom

Another fizzer. Actually, I enjoyed being at the Kinder having kids including my own, hang off me for awhile and it was full on with the Roster duties, too. Charlotte wouldn’t go outside, no matter how much we adults encouraged her. She wanted my presence and for that I am grateful BUT there are some friendships to be made and there is fun to be had.

I have to say, She did look very happy & content playing on her own. Just being in the company of  other children is fine for some children and whilst I was doing my chores, Charlotte did join in with the indoor activities. She was very accepting of the fact that I couldn’t be with her constantly playing and had to tend to other children and
cleaning.

This evening I opened a conversation with her about next week and I need to find an appropriate incentive, so that I can leave the Kinder again as I did in week #3. Not a bribe. It’s a fine line, but even we adults need incentives to keep us focused. Charlotte tells me She feels sad and that it’s hard to explain. My answer to her is ‘Yes, you feel sad, but it’s okay to feel that way because there will also be times where you feel happy and excited’. I totally understand. I feel sad, too. Not just about leaving Charlotte at Kinder, but all manner of  things. It’s part of  the human condition, right?  Yes, She may be picking up on my feelings, but there is more going on for her and I need and want to be sensitive to that.

We’ll get there, wherever ‘there’ is. For now, we’ll just keep the conversation open and continue going along to Kindergarten. It’s a nice place to hang out.

I’m blessed to have a 4 yr old who can express her feelings even though it can be a struggle and by the way, She does mix with other children without me around, but it is usually when She is familiar with the adults and child/children and definitely in a smaller setting. Big groups have never been Charlotte’s forte.

photo credit: queercatkitten

Time for a catch up to add to my Kindergarten series, I think. I’m quite unwell whilst writing, so thought I’d do this in point form.

Week #1 : We had two sessions of 2 hrs duration. Parents stayed. This was a lovely way to meet some Mums and get to see how the Director and Assistant operate. Charlotte stuck close to me.

Week#2  : Two 3 hr sessions. Parents could stay or leave. I was surprised at how many left. I invited a lost looking little one to join us at our play. She and Charlotte forged a friendship. I was very pleased. (more…)

I’ve captured the evidence on camera. This fairy was caught picking flowers in the garden. I couldn’t get a shot of  her face ’cause I didn’t want to frighten her off, so I crept up behind and took this snap. Now I’ll just kick back and wait to become famous for my discovery.

Hard to believe it’s the same little girl that’s  in my ‘Children With Focus‘ post.

Thanks to 5minutesformom for Wordless Wednesday