No Work

The little one has been having a bit of a hard time lately with the work schedule. She does fine with Daddy and is happy to have the time with him but doesn't like the idea of Mommy going off to work. On several occasions she has said, "I don't like work," with a bit of a quivering lip. It pulls on the heart strings a small amount but the reality that sometimes Mom has to go take care of business is an important thing for her to realize. We are fortunate enough to be able to avoid outside childcare 90% of the time which I feel is a pretty amazing feat with two working parents.

I mentioned last time that she started school. The first couple weeks went great. I dropped her off with a hug and a kiss. She confidently said, "Bye Mommy" and went off to play. Then the third week, a phone call. I had to pick her up about 20 minutes early because she was getting a little sad and asking for me. The whole session is only 2 1/2 hours but I think it's enough to begin the adjustment to a pre-school program.

The last two weeks she protested me leaving. There was a little crying and pleading, along with insisting I stay. I wait until circle time begins and firmly tell her it's time for me to leave to which she responds, "I don't like work." So the manipulation begins. Of course, once I walk out the door and the teachers begin to engage her, she's fine and enjoys herself. Her favorite activities are art class, singing and stories. They tell me she loves books. She is the same at home. She loves to go through the bookshelf and read a book, toss it on the floor, and get the next book. Our current favorites are the Winnie the Pooh series and Curious George. This little routine of hers finds Mommy picking up the same set of books 4 times a day and placing them back on the shelf. Why not just leave them there until the end of the day? If you ask, you obviously don't know me that well or are not familiar with my OCD tendencies.

So we press on with the once a week schooling with the hopes that the relapse of separation anxiety will subside. I don't see how it will get any better by pulling her out of the class and I also don't think it's any coincidence that we are going through it at a time where I have been working more. It's all a part of growing up, much of the time I would rather not go to work too.