New Rhythm: Monday Morning Garden

This past Monday, I was excited to begin my new program for children aged 20-30 months.
I am calling it "The Monday Morning Garden"....

This program had many families interested right away. I discovered rather quickly that there are many families who are looking to slowly transition to day cares, other caregivers, or wishing for a few hours of free time. Finding quality and loving care for children this age is challenging and expensive. Have you ever been to the 2-year old room in a day care? It is almost always a place of chaos. There's a lot of yelling and frustration. And with a room *full* of toddlers, there is just never enough loving care and attention from even well meaning caregivers.

The Monday Morning Garden runs from 9am-12pm. I am thinking that this is just enough time. We play, blow bubbles, sing constantly, mop, sweep, dust, enjoy snacks together....and by the time I look at the clock, it is nearly time to go!

Of course, there are challenges with this age group, but I am looking at them in light  of child development. In the mindset of a 2-year old, anything they see, or want, or have, is theirs. There is certainly some grabbing and fussing. There are favorite playthings which each child so dearly wants ( rocking horse, pictured above!). I remember the 2-yr. old day care teachers where I was employed always exclaiming, "S-h-a-r-e!!!" in a sort of taunting voice. It's such an overused "command"....
They don't know what it means. And sharing is a difficult concept to learn! It's hard. In fact, I don't even think you can teach it! It should be modeled, as everything for this age group is learned and digested through imitation.
As a care giver, I can share my crayons with you...
I can share my broom....
I can play with some blocks with W, then give them to little H without her even asking.

It was a beautiful morning together, and I still can't believe how smoothly it went. I can only hope this will continue! I will be working on a very loose rhythm for the young children, which will mostly consist of indoor/outdoor play, snack, songs, and diapering/personal care time. What I am really focusing on now, is making sure that all of the playthings and spaces are consistent. I want the children to learn where everything is, and I want them to be secure in the fact that things will be pretty much the same every week. (i.e. potty learning station here, lambskin for diaper changes here, basket of blocks here.) Of course, having minimal supplies and playthinsg really helps in this arena!

For some of them, this is their first experience away from home; away from their mamas. I so understand how this can be difficult for both the children and families. I really try my hardest to convey love and comfort to the children, especially those who are making this transition for the first time. I found that speaking softly, holding them in my lap, kissing heads, and...saying "whoopsee daisy!" has helped tremendously. We had no tears from anyone all day.....

Except for my W, who cries for me when I am giving out attention to others.

I know it is hard for him.

With this program and an extra day added to the playschool rhythm beginning September, our "together time" is going to be crucial.

I cringe when I think of how overstimulated  he sometimes becomes during the day. He is still so young. However, playschool and the Monday morning garden are such fantastic opportunities for me to work from home, remain with my son, and save a lot of money for my waldorf training. I'll be funding my education almost entirely through these programs, and I'm more than grateful. We've got a newly opened bank account for my savings, and I couldn't be more thrilled. $20,000. In the end, that is how much it will be.

We're a family, and we do what is best for each other and our future together.

We'll make it happen.