On My Own

Paige started a new class today called On My Own. The premise is that the parents wean themselves out of the class until the kids go by themselves. I wasn't sure how it would work, but the parents were encouraged to sit in the background today, and not participate in circle time. It felt odd and like I was ignoring her, but she went around the room playing with various things. I interjected a few times to try to get her to do the craft as they were putting it away soon and she was the only one who hadn't done one. And I got her snack out for her and sat with her. I needed to sit anyway and didn't want to just sit at the side of the room. The next time we go I will have to leave her with a lunch bag and snack that she will get all on her own from a bucket at the front. There were a few times when she wasn't paying attention to the class, and would wander off before the circle times, but the 2 instructors were great at coaxing her to join the group. I don't feel I have anything to be worried about in terms of her behaviour or social skills, I just hope she will be ok if I am not in the room.

Some kids have been through this program multiple times, and are very clingy/have behaviour issues. Well, 1 boy had behaviour issues. He crumpled up all the colouring sheets just as his mom had been spying through the window and she ran back. Later he dumped and flung sand all over the place and kids were wiping out on it. This is his 3rd round, "on his own". Another little boy said, "I want to go home", and a little girl cried everytime her mom walked away from her. Paige has been very concerned when other kids cry and always asks me why they are crying, and often talks about it for the rest of the day. Today in circle time the girl was crying because her mom wouldn't sit with her and Paige turned around and called to me saying, "why is she upset?". I hope that everyone settles in so Paige can really enjoy herself. Unfortunately there is no class next week due to Easter, so we will have to wait till the next week and hope that someone can take her (I am due that week!).