Friday, November 14, 2008
An update on Aidan
We took Aidan out of kindergarten because we were unhappy with the place, and so was Aidan. It was too rigid, and there was not enough play time. Kids were expected to speak extra softly and never run indoors, and many toys were off-limits even though they were within reach of the kids (they need to be "trained" in how to use them first). So after 2 miserable months, we took Aidan out. It feels right!
Today's conversation:
Me: "Mommy loves you soo much (makes wide circle movement with hands) and even more."
Aidan: "Like this?" (makes same motion).
Me: "Yes! and even more!"
Aidan: "Where can we see the more? Can't see it, too big!"
Soooo cute!!
Today's conversation:
Me: "Mommy loves you soo much (makes wide circle movement with hands) and even more."
Aidan: "Like this?" (makes same motion).
Me: "Yes! and even more!"
Aidan: "Where can we see the more? Can't see it, too big!"
Soooo cute!!
Monday, October 6, 2008
The journey
I thought I knew myself so well before I became a parent, but Aidan has uncovered a part of me I didn't know existed. I wanted to be perfect, or at least a really great mom, but I can't hide the flaws that cause feelings of mommy-inferiority because Aidan sees them. I'm not perfect, and I make mistakes I wish I didn't make even though they are within the sphere of "normal" (like not being consistent enough, and getting angry too fast), and it is hard to see them so often, and so clearly, in the eyes of the little boy I want to be a hero to.
The nice thing is that even though he sees the flaws, he wants to be with me, all the time, and that is sooo sweet!
So it's not all bad. I get a chance to grow as a person, he's okay with who I am, and I hope I'm good enough in the meantime--while I work at being perfect :)
It is truly humbling, and an amazing gift, to be a parent!
The nice thing is that even though he sees the flaws, he wants to be with me, all the time, and that is sooo sweet!
So it's not all bad. I get a chance to grow as a person, he's okay with who I am, and I hope I'm good enough in the meantime--while I work at being perfect :)
It is truly humbling, and an amazing gift, to be a parent!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Mikkel Rev dreams
Early this morning, 5am to be exact, Aidan loudly sleep-said, in a sing-song voice, "Africa..." It was to the tune of a Norwegian song called "Mikkel Rev," and Aidan is completely besotted with the song. he sings or hums it several times a day, and even sings it with made-up words, just for fun.
It was so loud and clear, and it cracked John and I, who were sleeping right beside him, up!
It was so loud and clear, and it cracked John and I, who were sleeping right beside him, up!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Barnehage (kindergarten)
There is a shortage of barnehages here in Norway, and especially in Oslo. We put Aidan on a waiting list for a Montessori one back in 2007, and were thrilled when we got a space--as we were looking for a place to buy and had kind of settled on one area way across town from the barnehage we got a space in. We then decided to buy a place in Tonsenhagen, near the Montessori school, to be close to it and because we liked the area.
Well, as much as we like the place, Aidan hates going. Yep, cries broken-heartedly every morning. It's been almost two months now, and he still can't get used to the idea of going there every day, even though he seems to like certain things, or at least, he tolerates them. He's very mommy fixated these days, especially with our recent move, and it seems that it's the separation that is the hardest part, as the teachers report that he does well once we leave. He cries about circle time, how he doesn't like it, even before we leave the house. Basically, the whole thing overwhelms him while he's growing from it at the same time, socially, with the other kids at least. We keep his days short. While many other kids are there from 7:55-4:15, we drop him off at 9:30 and pick him up at 1.30. We also keep him out one day a week, so that we can bond, especially because I work many weekends and eves. so don't get enough time with him.
I'm not sure how it will play out, and if Aidan will grow to like the place. It seems really neat, and is totally Montessori. There is lots of structure, yet lots of room for learning at their own paces. I wonder sometimes though about so much structure and routine for someone so young. Aidan's a bit of a free spirit, so it's perhaps both good and difficult for him.
This morning, Saturday, he asked several times "no barnehage today??" delighting at our "no."
I comfort myself with the fact that we keep his time there limited, although to him it probably feels an eternity as he waits for us--and he does wait, kind of go through it, waiting to be picked up again.
But there is some lightness here. His teacher reported on Thursday that he and a little girl have been holding hands, that both of them have initiated this with one another. So maybe love will save the (barnehage) day!
Well, as much as we like the place, Aidan hates going. Yep, cries broken-heartedly every morning. It's been almost two months now, and he still can't get used to the idea of going there every day, even though he seems to like certain things, or at least, he tolerates them. He's very mommy fixated these days, especially with our recent move, and it seems that it's the separation that is the hardest part, as the teachers report that he does well once we leave. He cries about circle time, how he doesn't like it, even before we leave the house. Basically, the whole thing overwhelms him while he's growing from it at the same time, socially, with the other kids at least. We keep his days short. While many other kids are there from 7:55-4:15, we drop him off at 9:30 and pick him up at 1.30. We also keep him out one day a week, so that we can bond, especially because I work many weekends and eves. so don't get enough time with him.
I'm not sure how it will play out, and if Aidan will grow to like the place. It seems really neat, and is totally Montessori. There is lots of structure, yet lots of room for learning at their own paces. I wonder sometimes though about so much structure and routine for someone so young. Aidan's a bit of a free spirit, so it's perhaps both good and difficult for him.
This morning, Saturday, he asked several times "no barnehage today??" delighting at our "no."
I comfort myself with the fact that we keep his time there limited, although to him it probably feels an eternity as he waits for us--and he does wait, kind of go through it, waiting to be picked up again.
But there is some lightness here. His teacher reported on Thursday that he and a little girl have been holding hands, that both of them have initiated this with one another. So maybe love will save the (barnehage) day!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
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