McKinley had a playdate yesterday! My parents next door neighbors have a little boy who's two month younger than McKinley and yesterday was the first day they've actually hung out together. They see each other when both happen to be outside. They love to sit on their respective front porches and watch the garbage trucks, or yuck yuck trucks as McKinley calls them, go by. They both like to garden, play ball and swing, but always at their own homes. So today they spent a full hour together playing. From my understanding, McKinley played while the other read. I'm sure the house was a mess by the time he left. Have you seen mine?
McKinley, like most only children, plays mostly by himself. And when I say "by himself", I mean with me or dada on the floor next to him. We don't always have to play, but being in that space is a must! However, he does love us to play. Lately, McKinley and I can spend a least 30 minutes just rolling cars around on the living room sofa. Sometimes I'm McQueen, other times I'm Sally. Other times, he just lays on the rug in his play area and just rolls trains back and forth. Right now he is obsessed with tunnels. He is a little fearful of them in real life, but loves to pretend that all cars and trains go through them. I love that he's using his imagination!
What I've found, is that it's time to introduce him to a more group setting. Our pediatrician recommended it as well. He needs to have more interactive play with other children and to be a part of a larger forum for structure. Between the two of us, and my parents, we try to structure his time with play, arts/crafts and learning by play.We engage him in outdoor activities like the zoo, parks, local exhibits and learning centers. However, he needs additional guidance from someone outside our family and I think a Parent's Day Out would be a great transition.
What I'm tasked with, and nervous about, is finding the right place for him to attend. So far I have two in mind and need to set up times for an interview and tour. We're leary of a church setting, as we're a blended faith family, but the one I'm currently entertaining has a curriculum that doesn't look faith based. I would like to observe part of their classroom setting to ensure that this is the case. The other is a private school that offers a toddler program. Not quite pre-school but an early form and I think that sounds promising. Again, an interview and observation are in order. As well as cost....private = costly!
It's scary to think about setting your toddler free, even if it's for four hours or a full day one day a week. Sure, I "send" him off to my parents on a daily basis. However, it's my parents. He's in a safe, loving environment. He's surrounded by people who are championing him. I know that's what teachers do, but it's no longer one on one. He would be one of many. Will he get lost in the shuffle? Will he lose his spunk and spirit and become shy and introverted - like his mother was once? Because he's so loving and giving by nature, will he be taken advantage of by other children? Right now, he simply wants to do with the other children are doing around him. He giggles, smiles and stares in awe at times. He shares his toys so willingly. I don't want him to lose any of that. My fear is that he may become guarded in this new environment, causing him to lose all of the things that make him so special. So unique. So McKinley.
I cry when I think about it. I fear that I'm going to do the wrong thing by sending him, which in essence, is the right thing. I fear that in wanting to keep him close, I'm holding him back. I want him to grow, explore, play, dream, make friends, learn and I will be there championing him every step of the way.
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