Xuanie tries very hard in the mornings to hold back his tears. He would brush his pointer finger down his cheeks and shake his head (meaning he should not cry). This morning, he said, “Mama go” when I dropped him off. He even waved his hand to say bye-bye. But, the moment I was outside the classroom, I heard him wailing away.
I know there are good reasons to send him to daycare, to learn some socialization, to “make some friends,” to learn some structure, sing songs??????? But, I wonder what damage we might be inflicting on him with all this trauma. He’s still very little. He’s not even two yet. He’s been with mama almost every second of his life since he was 6 months old, when he was cognizant of things around him.
Many kids simply love school when they turn 3 or 4. The transition from being home with mom to school is always much easier. For tiny Xuanie, I really wonder if there’s more detriment than benefit . . . anyone knows of research out there in this arena?
Of course, being a mom who’s also a wife and a daughter-in-law means some decisions have to be made with consideration of the input and “strong encouragement” (ahem!!!) from one’s husband and mom-in-law. Even decisions that break a mother’s heart.
(P.S. – It’s a very good daycare that we’re sending him to. Not one of those dubious ones where the kids look subdued, un-naturally or teachers looked like they want out. The daycare’s not the problem. Although: yesterday, he came home with a wound on his right ear, some scratch and redness. I don’t want to complain, because you know, he’s going to be there and unpopular parents may mean their kids may not be popular with the teachers. Ah, all the politics of daycare!)