An early switch to Sping Brainy Kidz

On 30 April when I went to pick up Zhirui from nanny's house, tz confided to me that she wish to cease her babysitting service and that day shall be the last day. The news struck like a flash of lightning on a sunny day..

I fully understand the reasons behind tz's decision. Her health is getting poorer and her children must have been very concerned about this. But somehow, I felt my eyes wet when telling her "it's ok". I was sad. Not because nanny couldn't babysit Zhirui anymore, but why I'm such a bad mummy who needs to rely on others to take care of my beloved child.

Accepting all these which I've long expected, sb and I decide that it's time for Zhirui to enter a childcare centre. Ya tou really enjoys learning and we believe she'll be happy in the enriching environment.

Immediately next day (Labour day), we called up Joy from Spring Brainy Kidz about the early enrolment. We had previously inform her that Zhirui will attend the centre in mid-May or June. Gladly, she welcomed us and gave us a centre tour on the same morning. Zhirui looks happy with her new school.

On the first day of school, we were greeted by Joy and Stephanie who conducted the toddlers class. Zhirui was more interested in the kitchen toy set than teacher's class. The month's theme is creepy crawlies so there was a nature walk outdoors to find insects. Zhirui and her friends had lots fun observing ants, butterflies, grasshoppers in the garden. At about 11 plus, Zhirui started to get unsettled and asked to go home. Stephanie, the school's principal shared with me the emotional roller coaster Zhirui might experience during her transit into the new environment. To make this less traumatic for ya tou, she advised that I bring Zhirui home and gradually increase the Zhirui's school hours in the days to come.

Second day, Zhirui showed great enthusiasm in going to school again. She could recognise the school's front gate when our car drew close. Stephanie advised that I play the 'missing game' later for 2 hours and come back after ya tou's shower at 12pm. The key is to mentally prepare her by telling repeatedly mummy will be going out and will be back at a specified time to pick her. It's important to keep assuring the child. So when Zhirui was happily engaged in her art work, I bid goodbye to her and left.

When I returned, Zhirui was showering. The moment she saw me, she beamed happily and screamed "Mummy is here!" haha.. :) Stephanie said that she did asked about me when I was away.

On the third day, Zhirui somehow knew that I was going to play missing again. She refused to make eye contact with me when I told her that I'll be going away. (Stephanie said Zhirui is ignoring me, a way of expressing her disacknowledgement.. very smart child!) But i still need to go... I told her i was leaving when she's busy playing. Came back at 2.30pm (supposedly her nap ends at 3pm), to find that she's participating in the teachers' meeting. :) Again, she screamed, "Mummy's here!" when I appeared. haha..

I wanted to bring her home but ya tou was quite keen to stay longer. So we stayed together till outdoor play. There was rain so the children were grounded indoors. But when it reduced to light drizzling, I can't bear to withhold Zhirui's eagerness to play anymore and gave the green light. The air was cool and fresh. I took off Zhirui's shoes and let her run barefoot on the soft wet turf. Joy was quite amazed. She said most parents are very protective and won't allow teachers to do that. "Why not?" I thought. :)