From DD's 1st birthday to her 2nd, we were in Toronto. The government has these centers like some create preschool/play program would be set up. Sand table, play dough area, paint area, and so on with a carpet and they do circle time with songs etc. The places are free. Yes free. You drop in, they have workshops for parents, free. You just have to stay with your child. No drop off.
It was a great way to have them do all this stuff and learn circle time, get socialization and learn to play with others.
There isn't a wrong way to teach kids things early and still let them be children. In this center, there was a puzzle area. I remember a wooden puzzle with all the shapes, including trapezoid and rhombus.
The government thought it was worth having the centers and workshops and the investment paid off in the long run. When we moved back to NYC, we paid 18K for a playschool that was drop-off but had the similar stuff.
I know this was on a tangent but thought of it when someone posted about showing the videos. Everyone needs time off from constant baby care. And also children are always learning. It is nice to have a place that helps with both. I started at the centers hovering and ended by being able to sit with another mother and talk and interfere on boo-boos or issues on sharing.
Kids like it when you start to give them space. Confession here. I hate dental work and I have a hard time letting DD do all her teeth brushing. She has done it by herself when dad is there and I am walking the dog but I am totally OCD on this. She has perfect teeth, never needed work but I am afraid to let her have total control on that. Personality disorder that is sure to pay me unpleasant dividends down the road with her.
Ren
