Childcare

It was madness in the changes in our lifestyle. Aunty Yuli suddenly drop a bombshell to say that she is leaving, but a ray of sunshine emerged amidst the clouds. Learning Vision at Gentle Road (our most desire childcare) called to say they have a vacancy.

We had no other better options but to send Andre to full time child care when i return back to work. Firstly, po po is already 70 and to look after 7 grandkids is really too much to ask. Secondly, the new helper is such a newbie and can hardly cope with the baby, let alone cope with another toddler. To be fair, even for an experienced helper, handling a baby and terrible 2 toddler is impossible.Thirdly, we have heard plentiful of testimonials that says the child improves by leaps and bounds in child care, especially in speech development (not that i worry about Andre as he is babbling a fair bit). Downside to childcare is the separation anxiety of the child (read PLENTY of crying) and also the child is more prone to illneses.

As such, we decided to start child care on 1st Dec. As i had one more month of maternity leave, i can be on standby anytime for any emergencies. 1st day: i stayed with Andre for half a day, accompanying him in the new environment. Can see that he is very skeptical. Yummy chicken rice with mixed vegetables is served. Andre ate 2 mouths. I was already amazed cos previously he ate very marshy food only. Though he didn't have a lot, i was determined to let him starve till dinner. So that he knows if he skips lunch, he wouldn't have more food till dinner. 2nd day: I decided to take the plunge, after getting Andre indulge with some toys, i told him i will be out and pick him up in the afternoon. One hour later, i heard him cry. And the teachers feedback that he vomitted. But it wasn't bad as he stopped after 10-15 minutes. He refuse to let the teacher bathe him, but diaper change was ok. 3rd day happens to fall on a monday. I took the 2nd day approach. However, i got too hungry, so i went to United Square for a quick bite and to get a toy to praise Andre for his courage. When i returned, teacher showed me picture of Andre asleep at 1 pm. (WOW!, doesn't really seem like my boy), and so i went home, but instructed dad to pick Andre up at 5 pm sharp. Andre is thrilled with the Cars wooden race cars. 4th day, Andre is pretty much by himself already. Teacher Siti says that Andre is one of the easiest child that assimilated into the child care environment. Seems like he has been in school before. But well, its only the 1-1/2 hours twice weekly zoophonics with helper accompainment, so i conclude that Andre is a pretty courageous boy with an independent streak. He may not have a very outgoing and loud personality, but in challenging situations, he has the self-control to control his fear. Self-control is a very desirable trait for survival. This makes me even more proud of my son.

But as the days goes by, i can see that the fact that child care is permanent and routine is sinking into him. We get bouts of tantrums and crying and pleading to go po po's place instead. This only happens during the drop off and Andre manages to settle himself in a short while. As parents, though it is tough, for the good of the child, we need to be firm in our decision. And to support the emotional needs as much as we can.