Daycare Defection
Last week, Crabtot enrolled in a new preschool. This event demonstrates how Crabmommy swings with the weather on matters tot-related. How fast I can become a Momocrite when circumstances change! How nimbly do I toss out my firmly-held opinions when they no longer suit my situation!
For the last 1.5 years, 3 days a week, Tot attended what is considered the rock-bottom childcare facility in Crabtown, the sort of place where the Brooklyn mother I once was would have had a small daily coronary at drop-off. But it was the only place that would take her. And it was affordable. And it wasn't that bad. Or rather, just when it seemed to get that bad, it would improve, with a new hire staying longer than 3 weeks.
To be fair, there were some good teachers, who engaged in praise-worthy disciplining tactics involving a Time Out Grizzly Bear. Oh, and Tot also liked it there. It was undeniably gritty, though, and far from our roots. While back in Brooklyn NY, tykes learned the Rubix cube or made mobiles out of leaves before their organic snack, Tot and her troops picked their noses after the government-sponsored waffles were served, and grubbed around aimlessly before chicken nuggets re-perfumed the diaper-scented air.
Crabmommy gave the grit a positive spin for a while ("character-building," "They don't need no education," "We're in Wyoming! She's a cowgirl!"). I defended and supported the facility and pooh-poohed the high-maint local moms who needed high-priced care. But when a friend opened a playschool with gingham curtains, we defected.
Now Tot comes home with reports and paintings. She has uberfabulous caregivers who gravely discuss her progress. And though I could give a rat's bum about toddlers learning Spanish or yoga, it's kind of nice to know that someone does. Oh, and Tot also likes it here.
But I sorta miss those chicken nuggets. Packing Tot's lunch is hard for Lazymommy.
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