I took many things into account when I was trying to get pregnant. When was the best time to take my leave? How would I afford a baby? Would I nurse or formula feed? Raising him in a bilingual home, absolutely!
Never did it cross my mind how the state birth date cutoff for school would affect my son. See, when I was in school, the cutoff was December 31, and with my December 23 birthday, I still made it. No issues.
Now that my son, who will be three at the end of July, is beginning his ‘academic career,’ I am wondering about the gift of time.
Currently, my mom and inlaws watch my son, and to say he’s spoiled may be an understatement. But you know what? If you can’t be spoiled when you’re two, when can you be? So what? He doesn’t sit during circle when we go to storytimes; he is creative, funny, and energetic, and I know he is comfortable in his own skin. And Lord knows he’s social… ask anyone we walk by in the grocery store. How many of us can say that?
The education system is a funny thing. We want children to take risks, be creative problem solvers, and feel with their whole selves, all while sitting quietly and ‘behaving,’ whatever that means. As an educator, I get that impulsive kids can be an added stress to the class dynamics. As a mom, I don’t want to squelch my son’s true self.
Add to this mix the fact that my son is bilingual (English and Italian). As a boy, he was already expected to be ‘delayed’ in his language development. With the bilingualism, his language was a little slower than the ‘experts’ recommended. But you know what? My fantastic pediatrician told me not to worry. I was initially uncertain, but now, his vocabulary in both languages is exploding, and friends and strangers compliment him on his speech.
Luckily, I have given my son the gift of a lifetime: a second language and time to develop his language skills.
It hasn’t come without some costs. Not seeming to be ‘preschool ready’ to some and plan spoiled to others, but you know what, this is a judgment-free mama. So, to each their own. As an educator, I’ve witnessed more than my fair share of students who have been pushed too hard and too soon by their parents. I have always believed there is no one path or program for everyone.
Thankfully, I found a program for my son this academic year. This preschool program appreciates and understands that a toddler is just that….a toddler, and all toddlers develop at different speeds.
I am also appreciative of the fact that my son will continue to be bilingual without having to worry about his language development. Since the program is only three mornings a week, he will continue to have his special grandparent time. (Hopefully, though, he’ll learn to hear ‘no’ a little more).
Great post! I feel as though we have the same child except he doesn’t know Italian. He does have an incredible sense of direction. Its a tricky “gift” for him to have, especially when we don’t go the way he wants to. It’s so true we have to let them be little. I have to keep reminding myself of that.