Regular readers will know that the wee girl can be challenging at times. She is confident, extrovert and determined. But, she is also wilful and doesn’t listen!
Despite her confidence, we have also had issues with separation anxiety and although we have largely got past this, she still likes to know I’m there and can be reluctant to do things with anyone else (e.g. a teacher..!).
She will start preschool next year and I am conscious that this could be a difficult step for her, so over the next six months or so I will be working hard at easing this transition.
She has recently begun to play more independently which has been a wonderful step forward, in terms of her development, and my sanity!
We are working on her independence and listening skills at swim class so that she is ready for her first lessons without me in the pool come January…
And, we have just had our third class in a new program (movement, music, gym and games)…
This is a far more structured class than she has done before, and I will admit to being very nervous Week 1. Would she leave my side, would she listen to the teacher, would she sit quietly when told, run when allowed? Or, would it be a repeat of swim class where she pays no attention to the teacher and spends the lesson swimming where she wants and jumping into the pool!
She was a little nervous and unsure that first week, she didn’t stray far from my side, and she took a little encouragement to sit when told and to follow instructions. But, she did okay; no tears, no tantrums and not too much squealing.
Week 2 though; well, it was amazing. I was able to sit at the side and watch as she sat nicely, listened carefully and followed instructions. She learnt the words and actions to a song, she played a game, she waited her turn patiently (almost, but she was at least polite!). She spoke nicely to the teacher and asked permission when she wanted to come and see me!?!
I was on the one hand stunned, and on the other bursting with pride. I had to blink back tears.
This week was the same. I watched as she happily went with the teachers, listened (most of the time) and had so much fun. Her little, giggly face was a joy to see.
And now, I feel a little (actually, a lot) guilty. I have been so reluctant to try classes like this with her for fear of her disrupting the class for others; refusing to join in, do what she’s told, share; to behave! Have I been holding her back?
But perhaps she is just ready now. Ready for the structure and the challenge. Ready to let go of mummy for short periods and have fun by herself.
I am so proud of her; and suddenly not quite so nervous about preschool. We still have a way to go (overall listening skills still need a bit of work!), but I’m now confident that we’ll get there.
Aw that’s fantastic, sounds like she is doing really well! Great to hear she did so well at the second week of the class! Brilliant. Monkey starts playgroup in January and I worry how he will get on but he has definitely been improving too so hopefully he will be ok after a week or two! Xx #ssamazingachievements
It is a big step when they haven’t done any classes without you before, I’m so pleased that she is doing so well :)
Hello there, I am so glad to hear she got on so well. I have only just been able to leave our little man at music club though I hang around outside to see how he gets on. Well done-it sounds like she’s doing a great job! x #ssamazingachievements
It’s tough isn’t it, it’s so won’t full when they take the step though x
Oh sweet, so nice when you see them joining in of their own accord and doing everything you hoped for.
We’ve got N going in the pool on his own come February. Tad concerned as at the moment, he won’t entertain the idea if I suggest it. I’m sure he’ll be fine once he sees all the others, and I’m sure the teacher will be in the pool with him, but it’s a big step.
Swimming lessons in their own is a big step! The wee girl isn’t too keen so far :) I’ll let you know how it goes in January…!
What a lovely post, such a big step this isn’t it? But I do think the best thing to do is take it step by step, as you are. Ah I can so relate to this post! My middle daughter suffered separation anxiety and more recently, someone has said that they get there when they are ready. I’ve really seen that happen this year and I wish that Id realised that sooner. I think I pushed her into things to soon at times. Sounds like you’re doing a grand job. Thanks for linking to #loudnproud
Thank you Suzanne, it’s wonderful to see her taking those steps towards independence, and reassuring too!
Letting go is really hard, but it sounds like your daughter is getting ready to take those steps, and it’s only because she knows you’re there for her. #ssamazingachievements
Thank you x
What a lovely post and a big step. No wonder you’re feeling proud. Kids do these things when they’re ready. My daughter went to nursery two days a week from six months, yet she wasn’t able to be left at a dance class on her own until she was 4 1/2 because she couldn’t bear to be parted from me. Starting ‘late’ has never held her back! x
Thank you Sarah, I think it’s the difference between her and her brothers that throws me. I wouldn’t have worried with them at all!
I am sure it is just because she is ready now – you know your own child best don’t you. I am glad to hear she is doing so well.
Thank you Joy x
Ahhh Lovely post!! She sounds a bit like my Z. It’s like they’re having so much fun they forget to listen or follow instruction. I’ve found he’s got a lot better as he gets older. I was really taken by surprise recently when preschool said he’s the most obedient and angelic boy ever! :)
I’ll be stunned if they say that about the wee girl :)
She is probably just ready now, as you say. I was just the same when I started taking Little Man to classes a few weeks ago, as the first week or two he was unsure, and now he’s flourishing. So pleased wee girl’s enjoying it x
I’m so relieved, and so pleased for her x
This really is fantastic, I’m glad she is able to join in with the class on her own. It really does sound like she is ready for this big step. I’m sure this is a positive step towards starting pre-school.
Thanks for linking up with Small Steps Amazing Achievements :0)
x
Thank you Jane, I am thrilled to see her enjoy it so much x
A fantastic read! I am so glad that it worked out. Its always nice to read positive post =) #MagicMoments
Thanks Merlinda x
Well done little one! Our daughters sound so very alike ;) x
They do, don’t they Aby :)
It sounds like your daughter is thriving! I’ll be going through this same thing in the not so distant future so I am glad to have read a first hand account. I better stock up on the tissues!!