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Posted on 09.26.07 by joy @ 3.31pm
The Z-unit is officially a preschool student by trade. The new class at The Acorn School has arrived and we have just completed the first, ominously named hurdle: assimilation. This is the education trade’s jargon for getting your kid to go with a bunch of strange (but fun) adults and other kids. What I found is that the assimilation is just as much, if not more for the parents. As some of you may know Zubin is not much for separation, as he’s really been the product of a well staffed, caregiving team. Parents, grandparents, Ro-ro (the nanny, but so much more that she needs her own category), aunts, uncles and a whole slew of relations. Also, Zubin’s previous attempts at separation at the “just in case” daycare center at the office produced…shall we say mixed results. Day 1: Kids are split into two smaller sections for the assimilation so there are only 6 kids with Zubin. The parents are freaked out for the most part even though we are allowed to stay in the room. The kids know exactly what to do and get on with the business of playing. The social awkwardness for the adults is palpable. Here’s the internal monologue:
The Z-unit went right into the classroom, spent most of his time with the sand box. He looked for me a few times, but unlike some of the other kids, he never came over to me. Then we just went home. Day 2: Back again with our six new friends. Alot of the same as the first day. The parents are getting to know each other better and discussion is coming more easily. A martini bar sure would have helped. This time they introduce a sit down meal together. The teacher rings a bell which makes Zubin stop in his tracks. He looks at me, I shrug. He looks at the teacher who proceeds to lay out places at a small table for 6 sets of Nila wafers and dixie cups with apple juice. Zubin is the first one to sit down, first one to finish his cookies, and the only one to use the napkin to clean the chair he was sitting on. I take note and give him a thumbs up. He gives me an index finger up (still working out the fine motor skillets) and after some more playtime we head home. Next post: Day 3. Separation begins… Filed under: Parenting 101 and Being an NYCDad and Preschool Comments: Related Posts:
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Sounds like Zubin is quite the little assimilator! I think its great that you are getting him involved with other kids his age instead of just adults. As to your comments about the martini bar….a brand new discovery-birthday parties at Medieval Times. Its this stadium style restaurant where knights actually battle on horses and with swords. SO much fun for kids, and there is a bar so that parents don’t lose their mind. Fun for all! Sounds like Zubin is a little squirt, so his playgroup is great. Another group in NYC is the New York Kids Club which you might want to check out. It has activities for kids 6 months to 12 yrs old like cooking/music making/rock climbing/martial arts/gym time….too many to list them all. There are 4 locations so it makes it easier for parents to get there. They might not call it “assimilation” but effectively, isn’t that a given in group situations? I recently started working with them so feel free to ask me any questions or check it out at http://www.nykidsclub.com. Keep up the dual assimilation with little Zubin, sounds like he is quite the polite little gentleman! Looking forward to separation….
Comment by Chessia — January 9, 2008 @ 2.13pm