Getting There

Last month, my son and I enrolled in St. Michael's Parent-Child program. He's a bit old for it, i realize, since the ad on Facebook said up to 2.5 yrs old. I called the school to ask if they would accept my son who turns three in two months. They said yes, much to my relief, and sent me the registration forms.

It's I.'s first-ever school experience and I was excited for him. I was also glad to have some time outside the house and enjoy summer --- which meant less traffic in the city. The classes were from 9-11am on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Here were my expectations before the classes started:
1. I wanted to experience Waldorf first-hand and not just from materials on the internet.
2. I wanted to learn Waldorf ways and apply in in our home.
3. We've resorted to TV and iPad  a lot of times and I feel bad that he's exposed to these media however good the contents are and that longer exposure would be bad for his eyes
4. I wanted him to experience free play more
5. I wanted him to get used to other children and other adults too.

On our first and second days, he was clinging to me like a velcro and wouldn't let me out of his sight even if I was just on the other side of the room.  He softened when he saw the wooden horse and toys. He particularly liked the crocheted finger puppets and fruits and vegetables. We played with the bowls and spoons and pretended to have a tea party. They let the parents do some crafty projects too for the duration of the program. I sew a stuffed ball and a small placemat. He cried when we had to cover the toys with cloth as they were supposed to "rest" while we ate snacks. We had pineapples and watermelon. By the second day, he was already drinking and eating on his own, from real glass and china plates and non-plastic utensils.

On the following week, I noticed he became less clingy and didn't call out for me that much. He was more playful with his classmates, Koa and Sarah. Ashley was barely one year old and she just smiled a lot.  He looked forward to playing in the sandbox, watering the plants, and swimming in the inflatable pool.

Over the weekend, I got myself thinking about weaning, something that the nurturer discussed with me about. My husband and I connived in telling I. that he is about to be a Kuya and as such, he shouldn't ask to be nursed at day time. He looked convinced and kept saying "I'm not a baby, I'm a Kuya". Before I knew it we were down to night feedings only. We also started using a small glass, ceramic bowl, and real spoon and fork for him at home. He's finished a bowl of oatmeal on his own and drank water on his own as well. I get teary-eyed seeing him so independent.

On the fifth and sixth day (our last week), he's already memorized the sequence of the class and hardly stayed beside me. I looked at him hold hands with the mom of another boy as he walked down the stairs and even played bubbles with the other parents. I couldn't be happier to see him at ease with these nice people. Later, I learned that the other parents also practice Waldorf in their homes and one couple (both Germans) even went to Waldorf schools. I was inspired to be more creative and less dependent on TV and other media devices. I will certainly enroll I. in St. Michael's arts, baking, and woodwork classes in the future, maybe even try their daycare when we're ready and have more time in our hands.

At home, you'd hear us singing Waldorf songs which we all love. We have not been so successful in weaning though reminding him that he's  now a "Kuya" sometimes works. And the TV & iPad? We haven't been that successful yet but we have lessened the exposure remarkably.

Wool, felt, wood --- we are in love with all things Waldorf