This is Yumi's way of saying, I've been away too long. She doesn't want me to put on my coat and leave again. This week was too busy. I had to spent too much time away from home, away from those I love and from the work I enjoy doing the most, taking care of my family. I'm really hoping someday to be able to get back to only working 3 nights a week, part-time.
Part of my work week had me in daycare centers, doing water safety demonstrations. I thought my presentations went pretty well, but I can't help but feel for those children. I know this will offend some, but there really is no place like home for child development. I can say this because I've been on both sides of the fence.
The three years my oldest spent in daycare still haunt me. Its my only regret in life. If I could go back in time, I would have left the corporate world sooner. No one can love your child the way you do, unconditionally. And discipline without unconditional love doesn't work.
I have nothing against early childhood education centers, but children shouldn't have to spend the majority of their conscious awareness hours with a teacher rather than a parent. Daycare centers have to structure the entire day in order to handle so many children, and all that structure doesn't allow for respecting a child's individual needs.
Its too bad we don't have more options for parents to stay home with their children. I would love to see early childhood learning centers where both parents and children could learn together. How fun would it be to attend preschool, enjoying games, arts and crafts, and stories together and then be able to continue the fun at home? Preschool teachers could be mentors for new parents showing them how to motivate creative learning within the home as well. Moms and Dads could meet others to establish supportive friendships.
Why does our society push for the separation of child and parent so soon? Is it because the government wants you to work to fuel the economy? How well is that working out right now? Is it because parents can't be trusted?
Or is it that many parents had children without realizing how much work it was going to be and they just want out?
I'll get off my soapbox now. I can be a downer when I'm stressed and depressed.
The boys and DH are addicted to 1 vs 100 on X-Box live. The past several nights they have been playing with great success, scoring many rounds in the top 100 out of over 10,000 plus players. If only they could play on a real game show and win us lots of dough! :) For trivia fanatics like us, this game is perfect.
DH's interview went very well, but he probably doesn't have all of the qualifications they are looking for. When he asked why we was chosen to interview since he clearly didn't have the required skills listed on his resume, the president of the company said, "Frankly, you wrote a cover letter. You would be surprised how many resumes we get without cover letters. It was your cover letter that made us want to meet you." Even if he isn't called back, it was reassuring to know he can interview very well and his resume and cover letter writing skills are above par. It was the boost I think he needed to keep going and not give up the search.
Tonight I think we'll do pizza and watch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. All I want to do is get into my comfy clothes and de-stress. I really need to recharge this weekend because next week will be similar to this past one.
4 comments:
Pizza + Olympics sounds like a nice evening. Enjoy!
We did frozen pizza and watched most of the opening ceremony. I have it recorded since dd could sit no longer but it was awesome from I have seen.
I agree with you on preschools, our country doesn't help parents or single parents out when it comes to daycare alternatives. We use to live by a woman from Norway and she said their goverment pays women to stay home with their children until they start school at the at of 5. When ds was small and we lived in IL there was a place we use to go to that was called the parent/child development center. It was an alternative to preschool where a parent goes with their child to play and do a wide variety of preschoool type activities. I don't know if they still have it but it was a great place to go
The Museum, where I work, has a great Education department, and we do tons of outreach in the community, including a teen-parenting class. It is heartbreaking to see teenagers pregnant (some pre-teens, too, unfortunately), but we do an 8-week course with them on creative play and things to do with their babies and toddlers. We also have after-school art on Mondays, and the kids can't come without a parent or guardian - interactive creativity. Art museums and children's museums are trying, but the gap is huge.
We were disappointed with the opening ceremony for the Olympics. It really got to be rather boring, but I felt bad for them when they had that final glitch with their hydraulics. What a shame. The games have begun, though, and I will enjoy watching over the next two weeks.
The photo of Yumi sitting on your coat is great, had to smile. I watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics last night and thought it was wonderful. They did a fabulous job but the death of the luger was upsetting, he was only 21 years old. My heart breaks for his family, friends and team mates.
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