2nd day in playgroup. Left after settling him down and spoke to the teachers.
Went HQ to chant and headed back to the playgroup. I stood outside listening to the commotion inside... After some time, heard cries - Keane's crying. I knocked the door (it's locked). The teachers didn't answer; perhaps they didn't hear it. Anyway, Keane did not cry very long.
Soon it was time for the kids to go home. Door opened.
Parents/maid/grandparent took their child home. I gave Teacher Rosalind a note expressing my thoughts and that they will be patient towards Keane. Keane insisted I carry him the moment he came out, cried when I put him down to adjust my bag... Guess he was afraid that I will go missing...
My in law came. She told me in chinese,"It is your fault to leave him alone." She said I should have insisted to stay.
I must confessed I was angry when I heard that.
I updated her with Keane's progress in playgroup because I know she is concern about him, not for her to point finger at me. I mean, please understand that while you are worried about your grandson being overly frightened, I am too worried about him, who is my son. Otherwise I wouldn't bother to knock and talked to the teachers etc. Me too, am observing him. Moreover, all parents had left. It's also rather unfair for those kids who wanted their parent to stay, isn't it?
Around 2 plus, Teacher Rosalind called to update me about Keane's performance in the morning. He did not cry when they were doing things, it's only when there was interval that he realised mama is missing... Both Teacher Rosalind and Teacher Cyndia took turns to carry, pacify and distract Keane, telling him that mama will be coming soon... Keane understood and stopped for awhile... So his crying is on and off... I told her that Keane is rather timid in nature and that I was reprimanded for not sitting in today. She explained that it's because she doesn't want Keane to think that he can have me to stay with him during lesson. I explained to her that I understand her intention and position, but I hope she will empathise with my worries and to keep me updated should he display any negative behaviour. She then kindly compromised that I can sit in longer for Keane to settle down. It was really a nice gesture from her.
As parents and grandparents, it is natural to be worry about the child, who is still so young. But the teachers have their stand too; they did that with the hope that the child will settle down fast. Afterall, teachers and parents ought to work in hand when comes to educating the young mind. If neither gives in or spare a thought for the other, then problems will definitely arise.
My mother reminded me of my purpose of sending Keane to playgroup - to acquire self-help skills and to mix with other kids. Indeed, I should learn to let go since that was my intention in the first place. Mother also encouraged me to chant to elevate my life condition (have been sickly these days and kind of pek chek [easily irritated]). Yeah, I should do that and also chant for Keane's growth.
In-law, I'm sorry if I were rude earlier at home, but please be assured that I will definitely pay attention to Keane's emotional well-being, and will not hesitate to pull him out if Keane displays resistence and emotional stress after a considerable amount of time. Give him time to adapt. It's his 2nd day afterall.
Remember he had done pasting for square, triangle and circle? We did rectangle today. Perhaps it's been quite long since we last did pasting, Keane seemed to have forgotten how it should be done... Took me awhile to refresh his memory...
After the pasting activity, Keane took the Di Zi Gui CD and put it in the player.
I asked him to cheese before putting in and he did as told!
After that, I deliberately showed him videos and pictures I took on his 1st day in playgroup. Keane looked and exclaimed, "Ahh! Ahh!"
"Yes, it's your school, teachers and classmates! Are you happy? Yes or no?" I asked him.
Keane may not be able to talk, but he understood what I'm asking.
He nodded his head. Good.
I then proceeded to ask him, "Are you sad when mama left? Did you cry? Yes or no?" I pretended to sob. He nodded again.
"How did you cry? Show mama," I continued.
Keane rubbed his hands on his eyes.
I hugged Keane. Poor little cute darling.
"No need to cry... You are there to play and learn... Mummy will pick you up after one and a half hours," I told him.
We continued to watch the videos and pictures of his playgroup. I hope to familarise him with his playgroup and lessen his fears.
I asked him to cheese before putting in and he did as told!
