Today I had a crisis of faith.... faith in homeschooling. The day started simple enough. The Cat was to start her first gymnastics class. She was excited. I was excited. It was to be a good day. We got the gym, which is a one room metal building, and she got a bit of jitters. And then the mom's were told to LEAVE. Go outside... into the parking lot, our cars... whatever. The tears started to flow freely from The Cat. I told the teacher I would stay in the corner, quiet as a church mouse. No go. No parents allowed to watch. Period. The cat began to scream "don't weave me mommy"... so I scooped her up and out we went. I felt like a total failure as a mom. Like I had done something wrong in her upbringing. Was homeschooling sheltering her too much? The other parents were a bit giggly at my obviously socially inept just turned 3 year old. I wanted to lower myself in my car seat and slither away. I ran every would've, could've, should've scenario in my mind as we drove away. The Cat said (sniffle) "it's okay Mommy".
And then it hit me! I am glad my baby wants to be with me. I am not the type of mom to leave her 3 year old in a strange place with strangers... in tears, no less. The other parents had no right to judge us. The Cat holds conversations with people of all ages. She is not shy a bit. She just needs to know her Mommy is there to catch her when she falls... and afterall, isn't that what Mommies do?
The Cat is 3! That is a lot to ask a parent to leave a precious 3 year old. Rock on mom, stick to your gut. I have spent time with my kids in daycare as I worked and now with me all the time. Since being a constant in their life every day, my children are more independent than ever. So Chin up!
ReplyDeleteI think its kind of crazy they made you leave! All the gyms around here I have looked at do a parent and me type class up til 3 or 4, and many have lobbies with big glass observation windows for when you do leave the class so you are still there and can see what is happening.
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