Baby Steps

In my previous post, I mentioned that I get to take Monch with me to work and that he attends the toddler classes for free.

It's been a few weeks now and he never completes a class. He refuses to participate during story time. During the structured play, he sometimes throws tantrums that are so distructive, I ask his nanny to take him out.

I began to wonder if taking him to school with me is doing more harm than good.

I got my answer this afternoon.

We went out for lunch. And for the first time in a long time, we were able to enjoy eating together in public. I sat Monch down in his seat. I gave him a fruit shake and he drank it. He shared my fries. He even let me fee him some of my burger. When asked to stop reaching for things on the table, he didn't throw a tantrum. He didn't insist on getting off the chair and running around.

This is a major achievement. And the only thing we've done differently is school.

I'm keeping him in school.

I will remind myself not to expect overnight miracles.

I will be patient and let Monch take his baby steps.

What's your experience with toddler programs?

Babies on the Go Trial Class

Monch is almost 18 months old. I talk to him often. We play. I read books to him.

Although I have been able to successfully teach him some 'tricks', I feel like I'm either doing it wrong or not being consistent about it. Since I am a full time mom, the pressure is on me to teach him. What to start teaching him exactly and how? I don't know. I was hoping, he'd be talking by the time we got to this stage.

Today, out of a whim, Monch and I took the Babies on the Go trial class at Whiz Minds CAMP. The class started with basics like up and down, in and out, big and small. Towards the middle of the class, the senses were discussed. Later they were asked to identify animals, animal sounds, and finally a little introduction to coloring.

I think I paid more attention to the class than Monch did since I want to do the same activities at home. The activities are really simple and I'm sure I can continue with Monch at home but I'm seriously considering enrolling him in some structured play class for one reason. He needs to learn how to participate in group activities as a follower.

Are you your child's teacher? Is he/she enrolled in a structured play class? How is it working for you?