Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Friday Mom – Erin:
Today is the second of two consecutive snow days that have caused Rory’s daycare to close.  Sometimes I feel guilty about the fact that Rory still attends daycare despite the fact that I am home all day with Charlotte.  However, I consistently remind myself that Rory received my undivided attention for his first five months and tell myself that Charlotte deserves that same attention, too.  Sending Rory to school each day helps me do that.

Until it snows.

Fortunately, the past few weekends have demonstrated to me the importance of introducing lots of variety to Rory’s day.  We filled yesterday with lots of arts and craft activities.  We glued cotton balls to a snow man, we made snow balls out of cotton balls, and we made bouquets of flowers out of used paper towel rolls.

We read books, played with puppets, watched some videos, sang LOTS of songs, and even played out in the snow for a few minutes.  Although I had pulled out a new sticker book early in the day in anticipation of needing a new distraction, I didn’t need to bring it out until shortly before dinner.

I am hoping that today goes just as smoothly, but I know that boredom and obstinance likely will be my worst enemies.  I’ll dig deep into the creative parts of my brain and try to outwit and entertain Rory while still being certain Charlotte’s needs are met.  And I’ll also cross my fingers that spring arrives soon.

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Lately, the boys are very busy with sports. I enjoy watching them play and learn during their games.  It’s been a bit challenging this spring season, since I’m doing all the transportation and parental support on my own. However, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m excited my kids have the chance to participate in these organized clubs.

Soon, Jack and Tate will be wrapping up their soccer season for the year. For Tate, it’s been an interesting season. He loves to run around the soccer field and pretend he’s battling with the ball. He’s scored a couple goals this year, one went into the wrong goal, but hey, he scored. It’s always fun to watch the little ones play their first year.

Tate is also still enjoying his tennis lessons. However, poor weather conditions have limited his practice. I’m hoping once spring arrives he’ll be back at it consistently. He wants to get back out there as soon as it stops raining every Monday.

Jack’s soccer team is undefeated this season.  They are doing really well, and I can see a lot of  improvement in his skills.  He’s very competitive, and he’s learning that it’s takes a lot of practice and repetition to succeed. His games are much more interesting the older he gets. Like a true mom, I yell, “Go Jack!!!” from the side lines.

The next sport for Jack on the activity calendar is baseball. As a seven year old, he has moved up a division. He had his first “tryouts” last weekend, to fairly divide up the teams.  He did pretty well, but definitely needs some more practice.  The new league this year will be more of a challenge, but will do him some good. I plan on spending my afternoons playing catch with my boys.  Yes, I’m definitely a boy-mom!

I grew up playing sports, so I love that my kids get to as well. I’m sure they will pick a favorite sport as they get older, but as long as they have fun I will drive them and cheer for them wherever they need to be. I hope spring gets here soon so we can practice in the warmer weather!

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
Last week, I went on a school tour for the elementary school that we are zoned for. We are considering sending Haley there for Pre-Kindergarten, although she only has a 10 percent chance of being accepted. Even though it is a public school, there are a limited number of seats available that do not come close to covering the four-year-old population in our neighborhood.

It sort of boggles my mind that Haley probably won’t get into this school, yet our tax money is contributing to the education of other kids Haley’s age. There are some other public school possibilities, but we don’t have high hopes. We may be able to sneak her into a costly private school as fall approaches. It’s a frustrating situation, but it is what it is.

I guess if I look on the bright side, it’s good that I am a stay-at-home mom, so if Haley doesn’t go to school, she’s at least taken care of. But I’d really like her to go. I may be able to teach her what she needs to know—and more—but she loves going to preschool and seeing her friends. I’d feel terrible if she didn’t continue the ritualized process she enjoys so much—getting dressed, putting her backpack on, the walk to school, putting her stuff in her cubby and greeting her playmates puts a smile on her face like I haven’t seen before.

No matter what happens next year, she will certainly get a spot for Kindergarten. I’ll just have to make her education a priority in the interim. It’s a good thing all of us Grow Up Learning moms have been doing that from the beginning.