Time to let you see the world!



 

 

After the expiry of our helper's contract two months ago, hubby and I decided not to get a replacement, with the hike in domestic worker fee, and a not-so-pleasant experience with them. We thus decided to send Qayla to childcare to see the world, after speaking with parent friends who gave lots of positive feedback and encouragement.

 

So the first of November saw Qayla Arissa into childcare for the very first day. Initially she was very excited to see so many children and the new environment, being the curious one she is. She joined the morning assembly with ease, and participated well in their sing-along session.

 

But when it was time to leave, she became aware that she will be left alone with strangers, and the crying begins. The teachers were very helpful and professionally whisked Qayla to handle her and I was asked to leave for the day. It was the extra mile when the centre supervisor sent me photo updates via whatsapp.

I had to admit I felt really emotional leaving her crying like that, I did not want to go to work. With a heavy heart, I left her, assuring myself that this was the best for all of us. It took me about two weeks to finally really be assured that she's left in the good hands of trained professionals, and that she will benefit from this arrangement in the long run.

Within a month in the childcare, she has adapted very well to her surroundings. She has learnt new songs to accompany her in car rides (and having me singing along no less), and has new words stored in her vocabulary. (She had me at 'wow!' when she said 'Q for Qayla! ;)) She has taken an interest in her books (after leaving them for quite some time in dust), and has learnt new good habits. Hubby and I have been receiving positive feedback from the teachers as well, quoting that she adapts very well and is very independant.

 

And her current hobby in school - collecting clips from the interest corners!

 



The decision to send her to childcare after two and a half years of full home care was a great move by hubby and me, I must say. Leaving her in the hands of trained full-time early childhood educators, has definitely benefit the little girl a lot in terms of mental, social and academic development.

Here's wishing my dear little girl a wonderful journey of learning!

Of Toys and Technology.

Play and entertainment has become an essential part of my little girl since she has now moved into her toddler stage. As a parent, it is our responsibility to expose and sift what she learns as this is the stage where she absorbs and takes in most of what she observes and do.

In an age where we are all absorbed with our smart phones and pads and tabs, curious little toddlers will, in a way or the other, replicate us and will want to get involved with these technologies as well, thus demanding us to purchase them their own set, or maybe hog them for long hours each day. In my opinion, these are good to entertainment for the child if they are on the go - car rides, train rides, in flights.

But I have seen many parents who rely solely on technology to keep their toddlers occupied, and I personally do not find this condusive at all. I have seen toddlers who are so absorbed in their gadget, that they were unconscious of their surroundings, and I think this could have negative consequences in the long run.


At home, I still prefer to entertain my toddler with conventional toys and books.

Once in a while, I will bring her out to the indoor children's playgrounds for her physical activities,

and recently, have introduced her to the library.

Visits to the supermarket are very fun and educational for her as she can learn the various things that are found there, and simple purchasing transactions involving money. This also introduces her to counting and maths.

Academics doesn't have to be so regimental and rigorous classroom way of  'one plus one equals two'. Especially at an age where their attention span is super short!

She has recently expanded her 'kitchen', and this is where I find it fun to play roles of cook, waitress and cashier with her. It's simple fun yet stimulates her mentally and physically.

Playing with dolls teaches her the meaning of empathy and love, and often, she will express her love with a kiss or hug. In a way, this is why she is very expressive. and while observing her play with other children sometimes, she always approaches with a smile.

In short, I still find traditional methods of play very beneficial for growing up toddlers. Back then, we didn't have much technology, but we turned out fine didn't we? ;)




*(This post is solely my personal opinion.)