We crunched numbers for preschool tonight until our eyeballs hurt and our brains were mush...none of the solutions are ideal or affordable, but we think that we have figured out what we will do.
The preschool where I brought the boys this afternoon was pleasant. The teachers were welcoming and another boy from Connor's age travels to his same preschool on the bus-so he would have a travel buddy. Ian was extremely nervous, but upon walking into the pre-K class, there was a male teacher who greeted Ian with a huge hello and high-five and called all of the boys in the class over to say hello to Ian. The teacher also introduced a few of the boys by name and made Ian feel very welcome. Ian visibly relaxed and while he didn't venture far from my side, he wasn't as shy. When we left, the teacher had everyone say goodbye to Ian, using his name-so Ian was impressed upon leaving too. I thought it was pretty cool that there was a male preschool teacher. Rock on!
Of course, any way we figured out numbers, it was going to be more than less, so we made a choice and decided we'll figure out where else we can cut back. Then we lamented on how we are afraid he will be in school too fast where he will not be taught by us and where we don't know if the values we want him to have will be there. How we should probably live in a state where people pay astronomical taxes to have semi-decent schools instead of this fund raising business model crap that is promoted in Arizona. How saddened we feel to see Ian becoming a school-age child, because we always wonder if we did or do enough for him. Pretty much, we are downers tonight but maybe the best is yet to be.
3 comments:
Linda, judging by your writing about the children, the relationship you and Tom have with them -with each other too -I don't think you need to worry about what values either of your boys will learn and learn quite well too as they go through life.
The letting go thing though -yes, that's really a tough nut to deal with, for sure. Dealing with public schools is sometimes a royal pain in the behind too as all too often it leaves so many avenues as closed or dead ends -things like that -and difficult to maneuver whether your child is NT or special needs. You and Tom though have the education background though which may play out better for you and for the boys in the long run though.
Don't ever feel you haven't done enough. You two sound like the best parents around!
That sounds like a great place for Ian. One of my boys had a male pre-school teacher and loved it. I hope it all works out for you.
I am glad that the preschool was a good experience for Ian. Let Rick and I know where we can help as well as where we are all going to move to where we can get some decent schools!!! Maybe we should follow you for a change.
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