Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Schooling Experiment Finished

I'll write more about this later, but I decided to withdraw Bowie from school. He has not wanted to attend for 2 weeks now and has been exhibiting a lot of anxiety (had to call me after he was crying for over an hour the last time he attended). Today he said that he never wanted to go back and with all the signs and those very clear words, I felt it was not in his best interest to continue. He happily went to the nursery at the YMCA and I'll be advertising for babysitters to find a better solution for all of us.

6 comments:

jennifer summer said...

Awwww, Bowie. Well, I think it's wonderful that you follow his lead and you're not one of those parents who says, "Oh, no. You WILL do this!" You rock, mama.
xoxo

Anonymous said...

You do rock, it's true....But I have a somewhat different perspective: he's a three year-old who lives in the moment, as they all do, and can't have the perspective that you have to know that even though it's hard today, it will get better and more familiar with time. I think there is a happy medium between forcing the issue and letting him decide entirely on his own. It just seems that if he knows that he doesn't have to anything really hard for him, he won't experience that pride that comes from accomplishing something really difficult. BTW this is not intended to be at all judgmental--obviously you know what's best for your child.

... said...

awww, poor little sweetheart. i wish i was in the area :)

BizBaby said...

Poor Bowie..its a shame hes decided against..it sounded like he was starting to enjoy it. Nevermind,if he doesnt want to go he doesnt want to go and im sure making him would be a very very bad idea. But he is only 3 so does he need to be in school already..no :) maybe when hes abit older he'll want to. But like everyone has said..u rock! Its great that your allowing him to make these decisons and following his lead. I wish i lived closer,i would totally love to be a babysitter for you guys!

KrisLeigh said...

Aww, Autumn, poor Bowie but you did the right thing! He is only 3yrs and it can do more harm at that age then good to keep forcing him into a situation that is obviously distressing him. Give it time and encouragement and he'll soon love the idea of going to school! Big (((Hugs))) to you both!

XX Kris

Anonymous said...

We tried school when my son was that age. He really did NOT like it. He went for oh maybe a month and he was okay, but he wasn't thrilled. We took him out for more reasons than him not liking it and then this past summer we let him go to summer day camp and he really liked it. I think it changed because he was ready and he really wanted to be with children. He is now 4 1/2 and is in school and absolutely LOVES it! Never complains and WANTS to go. So, I think timing is key especially for those little ones who have stayed home with mama. You have to trust your instincts on this and I think time will help him so much. Treasure this time with him. You are a wonderful teacher to him. Stay strong.