moving on up...

As I picked up Noah last night, I found myself being called after by the director. I knew what was coming, and I tried to beeline for the door, but I didn’t make it. The talk I had dreaded was finally here:

“can we go ahead and transition your child?”

Oh boy.

I have no intention of holding my son back, and realize he’s on an advanced path. He’s walking—running, even—talking, feeding himself and comprehending the world around him. Sure, it’s at a baby’s level, but trust me, it’s abnormal for a 10-month-old!

With that said, he’s a 10-MONTH-OLD! And little. He’s got a high metabolism, and a morning nap schedule that shouldn’t be tampered with. The ONLY downside to transitioning (in my mind, at least) is the nap situation. They not only want to kill the morning nap, but have him sleep on an open area mat, instead of a crib.

Noah LIVES for the morning nap. We’re lucky if he sleeps 30 minutes in the afternoon, honestly. And he’s definitely not the kind of child that can just lay down anywhere and sleep. I know it’s going to take some adjusting, and I’m willing to be open, but school needs to be willing to work with me if I don’t feel it’s working out. So far, they assure me they will, but we’ll see.

School has a way of playing off of a parent’s worst fears to get what they want/need out of you. In this case, they tell me they’re worried he’ll “regress” if we don’t move him forward. Like he’s just going to forget how to walk in the infant room or something—HAH! They listed off all the things he’s mastered, and pointed out that he may lose those skills—and not begin to conquer others—if he stays where he’s at. “He doesn’t have the stimulation he needs to move forward”, I hear. Yes, my child needs a LOT of stimulation, and I agree that the toddler room can provide that, but don’t make me feel guilted into a move that I’m not completely sure of! They sure do know how to drill down to the heart of it.

Of course I want what’s best for my son. As a mother, that’s what I LIVE for. I just want to know that THEY want what’s best for him, too. I think they do, as long as they respect the open dialogue we’re having, and not disregard my parental concerns.