Preschool, tears and triumphs

October 11, 2015 by Keri at The Baby Project

Preschool, tears and triumphs

For 2 years and 4 months, my little Louis has been with me. Daily. Like every single day. Almost. Ok not all day every day but near enough.

I left my employment and started a business I love, partly to achieve this. With my mum 3 hrs away and working full time, returning to work would've meant nursery 7-7, 5 days a week (can you even get that?!). I am not judging anyone who chooses this, or has no choice, but taking the financials into account too, it made no sense to us.

So it's been the two of us. I work some evenings and weekends, when Daddy takes over (not babysitting, as I remind him, but raising our child), but Mon-Fri, me and him.

And somehow I imagined he would reach the age at which preschool would take him, turn up, love it and wave me off. I've watched my friends' babies settle into nursery quickly, he was older, very verbal, I could discuss it with him, he would understand. Maybe he understood a little too well.

"YOU NOT GO TO WORK!"

Business is picking up. I've got admin to do. My brain doesn't work well enough to achieve this with him around. Preschool was my golden ticket to compartmentalising- delivering for my business, giving my all to my little darling in his presence.

He did not get the memo.

Since we first attempted preschool in June, it's been a rollercoaster. I have spent many hours coaxing and negotiating and backing down and bribing. I see other mums torn between these techniques (I have spent a lot of time hanging round preschool).

There have been tears and tantrums from us both, until finally, last Friday, the magic happened. Off I went. He was settled, happy, still fine when I picked him up 3 HOURS LATER. Hoorah!

Then we went on holiday and ruined everything.... But still making progress. And who can blame him, here I am trying to break his habit of a lifetime- mummy at his service.

What I've been thrilled about is the approach of the preschool- Westcliff URC. They couldn't have been more supportive of our needs as a family to deal with the change in our own way, respectful and accommodating.

And I've asked around A LOT these past few months, wondering what miracle might be out there- it turns out there are so many wonderful options for us in and around Leigh on Sea.

Last week we visited SeaView House Nursery, that runs in a family home, and is a lovely, nurturing environment with gorgeous outdoor space, would perhaps have been an easier transition for a mummy's boy like my own.

So we have another area of life in which we are blessed with high quality and real choice- early education supporting our tiny Leighites in building their futures.

Just hope we can survive half term....