PonyTales

Today is the 4th day of school and day care for Zoe, and I have learned quite a lot and also suffer quite a bit….hahaha

I learned that first day of school was quite a shock to Zoe as the teacher was not able to comprehend her message - new teacher, young, no children. She was probably forced to do a couple of things according to schedule, eg sleep in a big room. This has angered little Zoe, who can be quite hot-tempered when provoked. Whenever she see her teacher, she will yell out loud and cry instantly. She seems to be ok with others.

Past 2 days, it has been the crying out method because this Mommy has no idea yet how to make this transition easier for little Zoe.

It broke my heart and Daddy’s heart everytime Zoe cry while we leave the school. The crying out method is really not my cup of tea, nor Zoe’s. I am afraid that she will start to hate school and think that Mommy like to dump her there. Time for damage control!

Out of desperation, the mind really works and I told Daddy my strategy for today. We have to respect her and let her build her trust with the teachers and school first. Let her be with people she likes. We must let her understand that school has lots of friends. Lots of kor-kor or che-che to play with too. That is always a plus point for Zoe as she loves to be among other kids.

For a start, we have to let her warm up to the school and not feel like she is being dumped at a foreign place. I get Dadddy to tell her teacher not to approach us immediately and sorta frighten her, just let me handle the introduction and overview part. I walked with her for a couple of minutes around the school, identify things she likes - playground, fishes, toys…show her some other che-che and kor-kor around. She was still unsure at first, but later warm up a little. Thank God that there was a teacher that she likes and she quickly pointed out to that teacher when she saw her. The teacher greeted her and held her hands and both of them proceeded to the office area for some fun. Yup, Zoe prefers the office more than her classroom. Past 2 days she has been spending time in the office as well, doing her activities there (probably terrorising a couple of office staffs…oops). I also learned later that she has even joined the staff meeting, siting on the principal lap and scribble a full A4 page. Probably, taking down meeting minutes…lol

Phew!…no crying today and intro part is done. 

I must talk to her teacher more and let the teacher know Zoe’s preferences and ways. This is a transition period, so she will have to build Zoe’s trust in her first. It will not come easy and it takes time even for a child. She will have to gently approach her and learned to earn her trust. Offer her things she likes to gain brownie points. Slowly, Zoe will find it fun to be with her again.

Toddlers are not babies anymore who do not have much sense of self. They know who they are, have little characters and can tell what they like or don’t like. Getting them to warm up to a new place is not the same anymore. We have to slowly build their trust.

Still, I pray to God that this transition period will not take too long to pass. I am looking forward to the time Zoe wave bye bye to me confidently and cannot wait to join her friends and teachers in play school. Amen!