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kathleen's picture

Okay this isn't a step parenting issue but it is a parenting issue so if you have the patience to read the whole thing, I hope you can help me. Here goes.

I have an irregular schedule so I need to enroll my daughter (2 1/2) full time in preschool even if I don't take her every day. We found a Spanish immersion school that comes with lots of high level exposure and accolades. From day 1,(november) my daughter hated it. I thought maybe it was because she didn't like the uniform and didn't understand the language. Now months later she still throws a fit if she has to go. RED FLAG to me.

The director has told me that my daughter is rude, and she cut her with scissors and she doesn't follow rules. I didn't like that. First she is 2 years old. Who gives 2 year olds scissors. Second, I don't believe a 2 year old is rude. They just need redirection and guidance. Third, isn't that the way 2 year olds are, they aren't ready to follow directions, they are learning.

I tried to find another school but everyone has waiting lists. I'm on several. I took my daughter back to the spanish school, trying to have a better attitude and make it work. Recently (now any spanish speaking mom's jump in any time) my daughter started saying "no sea naca" when she is scolding the cat or is mad at me. From what I understand that is a Mexican slang for don't be: a hillbilly, or low class, or white trash.

We don't speak spanish at home so where could she have learned it. I emailed the director and said I was concerned and would like to talk to her about it. She called and told me she just laughed when she saw my email. I said, "oh really, I didn't think it was so funny". I was immediately on the defensive. She said they were professionals and they don't say things like that. She must be mis-saying something else. Like what I asked. She gave a couple of suggestions that sounded like cuties terms of endearment. Not even close and why would my little girl be using it punitively to the cat?

Long and short, she said, "You are the type of mother who is defensive and doesn't want to hear what is really going on with your daughter". She also said, "it all makes sense to me because you are not around as her mother much". Those were fighting words. I am home more than most mothers and I think I am doing a pretty good job. I work about 10 days a month which includes about 6 nights away. It's my first time around and things have been tough around here, as some of you know from my rants about the step kids etc.

Anyway, I told her that I was not "that" type of mother. I didn't want to hear my child was "rude", I wanted to learn about age appropriate behavior and what was not and what they were doing about it etc.

So finally I suggested my husband talk to her. He does and calls me back (he's out of town) and says it went well. I'm thinking... WHAT? He says that she and I are both stubborn and she will never admit that something like that was said. Now he feels it is on the table and she will make sure it never happens again. So apparently, he thinks this school is fine.

I told him he was passive, he said I was aggressive, I said, look at how you've handled your older two, do you want to do the same thing with this one. He hung up.

We haven't spoken. Don't really feel like it. Still fuming.

Questions:

Instincts from a Mom. Am I right on?
Should I ask the director to lunch to get to know eachother better and offer a new page to start from?
Do I yank my child?

No need to respond about how shitty my husband is sometimes. I'm just as bad, I shouldn't have said those things. He does take the path of least resistance and he doesn't want to deal with another change. I just don't trust myself right now and I don't know if I am over reacting about this childcare thing or what.

I will also admit we have had a lot of stressers in our life and I think that contributes a bit. What do you guys think?

Comments

sarahbernheart's picture

I would yank her out.
we have those instincts for a reason.

“You will never be on top of the world
if you try to carry it on your shoulders.”

papergirl31128's picture

you could do like one mother in the paper did- put a tape recorder in her daughter's book bag to find out what is happening.
I would say go with what your gut says- mother's gut feelings are usually a good sign.
good luck

Sita Tara's picture

You can't afford to second guess yourself here, because your daughter is not old enough to tell you what's going on. So I say, if you don't feel something is right, then you have to follow your gut.

My mom worked in a daycare/preschool for 4 or five years. She loved it. And they did not EVER address parents this way. They had very little problems in the toddler room, with the exception of biting which happens at every facility at one time or another. Now of course I was more comfortable putting my son there at 18 mos because well...GRANDMA worked there!

BUT...I took the things I learned there to know what to look for in the next daycare I used (sadly hers closed down due to money issues.) It was such a good daycare that the parents offered to pay more to keep it open, but they just couldn't swing it.)

My kids went later to a Christian daycare run out of a newer church. I didn't agree with the religious ed, but figured I could balance it out. Occasionally I heard things about religious ed that concerned me too, but I just talked to the kids about how they only needed to respect the chapel time, not believe everything they heard.

So I guess there's always compromise. BUT...on my third toddler now and I think you are right to be offended. As I said, even when toddlers bit or pushed another kid at my mom's daycare, there was an incident report and discussion with the parents, suggestions even on how to work on the issue at home IF asked.

AND...let me tell you. There were some parents there who left their children from the time the daycare opened at 6 am (the kids would come in their pjs and have breakfast there) to 6 pm when it closed. EVERY day. And one mom I remember my mom being upset about did this though she only worked a four- six hour shift and was done by 3 pm. STILL left her daughter there til 6 every day.

So this person is inappropriate. Period. I would find another place asap.

Oh and my DH doesn't get to handle many phone calls because he never remembers important points that we've discussed. Actually, last night he suggested he call the school to talk to the guidance counselor, to let her know SD told us, what she told us to make sure she didn't "selectively" tell us the issue, thank the guidance counselor for her help, let her know that SD was in counseling and going on Wed, AND let her know to feel free to call us if she has any more concerns.

Do you think he got around to that? Do you think if he did, he will remember to say all of that?

Ummmm....haven't asked yet. But I know come Monday it will be ME making that call. I do get irritated at times, but I guess we are just more thorough with this stuff, and not as easily pacified with a resolution just for resolution's sake. Maybe that's why they married us Wink

Peace, love, and red wine

Stepmom_C's picture

Kathleen, your a great parent. Instincts are there for a reason - trust them. Just the one comment about your not being around as a mother is enough for me to say remove her. Even if you were a 60 hour a week mega worker it's not the daycare's place to comment like that. They have jobs because of working parents! They are supposed to teach and mold our children. All kids at 2 are a little disruptive - "terrible two's are titled that for a reason" It sounds like they aren't in control which is a bad sign. Caring, enduring "teacher" type workers wouldn't act or say such things. Good luck to you. BTW I think all men are passive about things like this - I know mine is Wink

Colorado Girl's picture

was immature (he was 6) and all that was wrong with him was because I was divorced. Then she said that he wasn't a good canidate for their charter school. I started to cry and she told me they were God's tears. I told her to go to hell and reinrolled my son in public school the next day.

Come to find out, my son had a learning disability. His new teacher was so disgruntled about the whole ordeal, she filed a grievance with the district about the teacher.

I say let her have it. I'd rip someone a new arse if they told me my two year old was rude. Not only that, I'm a working mom as well and until she wants to contribute to your household monetarily, she can shut the hell up about what kind of mom you are.

Now you got me pissed. What's her phone number? I'll call her.... }:)

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...It's about learning to dance in the rain."

kathleen's picture

I wish you guys were sitting with me right now. I have tears falling down my face. I'm laughing, and crying. Thank you for your feedback. Parenting is crazy making stuff. Really. No one told me it would be this hard. I should have known after her 11 lb body ripped through be in birth. Personally I think my daughter is adorable. And cardinal rule number 1. We all know this because some of us have used it on BM's. Never, never, ever question a woman's mothering abilities. Shakespeare said it no? Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. If you want to get me below the belt, just say I'm a bad mother.

I have learned that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
–Henry David Thoreau

Elizabeth's picture

That is a pretty good sized baby. I always tell my girls I want to keep them around for a while because I worked so hard to get them here in the first place. But not THAT hard!

sarahbernheart's picture

maybe this "teacher" and I use that term loosely- is just so full of hate/jealousy cuz your daughter is so cute and you are a good mom, sometimes people say things to others to upset them just so they can feel better about themselves.
so think of her as a martian and all her words are )*)&^*%$##&%*() Nanew nanew..
believe in yourself and in your instincts.

“You will never be on top of the world
if you try to carry it on your shoulders.”

Most Evil's picture

then write a letter to her boss/board of directors - it is not her place to comment or rebuke the paying customers! If there were no working mothers she would be out of business, ding dong!

Who cares what she thinks about anything! I would definitely formally complain (after your BD is safely somewhere else)! meanwhile just try to ignore her if you can.

I do kind of see your DH's point that now it has been mentioned they will probably not do it any more, but still, the damage is done! . . . is there nowhere that doesn't have a waiting list?

CG I am p.o.'d about yours too - God's tears? give me a break-!!

"Fortune favors the brave" - Virgil

smurfy1smile's picture

Find another place for your daughter. If not in a school type setting, try a family daycare. I have been using the same one for 14 plus years and we love her and her family. Another option, if you live near a college, try to get a college student going to school for elementary ed or any child related field to come to your home and take care of your daughter. I did this when my son was little and he thrived on the one on one attention. I still speak to this woman to this day and she is married with 4 children.

I agree 2 year olds are not rude. They don't have the common sense to know what is rude and what is not. They say stuff that can be very sensible one minute and the next its out of this world. Its a part of their development. If your daughter hates the place, its a red flag.

Good luck on your search.

sixxnguns's picture

for her to go...it doesn't sound like a healthy enviorment for her. 2 year olds aren't rude, they don't know any better at that age.

everythinghappens4areason's picture

Been doing some thinking on this....continue to look for another placement for your daughter & remove her ASAP when you find a place suitable.

I would also take the advice of others posted on here. First being, put a tape recorder in her bag that no one can see as having her day recorded may not be a bad thing in the long run. Who knows what else could be taking place in this environment for the other children as well. Secondly; write a letter to the board stating exactly what was said to you by the teacher and what your daughter is repeating at home. These are issues that should not be left alone, but addressed by someone at the top. Make the letter point blank that you are expecting an investigation immediately & you would like their plan of action in correcting the situation in writing. As you will only accept written correspondence in regards to these issues for future reference. That will save a "he said, she said" thing from happening. This will also make them stand up and figure something out quickly.....having something in writing is concrete, whereas verbal litterally means squat.

I would not invite this teacher to lunch, nor engage her in friendly chit chat. She has made it clear what her opinion of you as a mother is. Keep this relationship on a business level...the damage has already been done. She is no better then some of the BM's we have to deal with on this site.

I would also not have hubby call again....just from personal experience here!! If your man is like mine, he can not remember all details that are to be discussed & does not keep on track....especially if the woman is sweet to him on the phone...his mind goes blank and he agree's with everything they say...not in the best interest of you nor your child. Then hubby says, "well, I did't mean for it to come out that way!" Sorry guys...I just chalk this up as being a man thing!!

Let us know how you make out with this.

Corie

ColorMeGone2's picture

Moms have these built-in instincts for a reason. Dads have their own special set of instincts and qualities, but Moms are not Dads and Dads are not Moms. Go with your gut. What's the worse that could happen? She's not happy there and whether they are doing anything "wrong" doesn't matter. There are about a million different ways to be right. Find the right situation for your child. This one isn't it.

♥ Georgia ♥

"Good men don't just happen. They have to be created by us women." (from ROSEANNE)

stronggirl's picture

I have a 3 year old and you know how many times I have to say something for him to remember it and repeat it LATER? Now we all know that if you say something they will say it right back...but for your daughter to remember it and say it later and kind of in a context that she would think is right....Wow. I am a teacher and I have seen it all...YOU ARE NOT WRONG...I would get her out of there. About 2 months ago Dr. Phill had 5 Moms of autisic children on the show. These children could not talk and tell their parents what was going on so they threw fits everytime it was time to go to school....huge fits...red flag..The teacher was beating them. I think that your daughter would tell you if she got hurt physically, but she is not going to understand being emotionally hurt.....That teacher needs to go bye bye. And just so you know, in my state they do not have to have a Teacher Certification to work at a daycare. Just something to think about, of course you do not need a degree to love and teach kids......Your gut is right!

Angel's picture

but 2.5 years old is MUCH TOOOOOOO YOUNG for a full time preschool. Is there any way you can get child care in your home? Your child isn't adapting well because she is too young to be in that type of school.

kathleen's picture

My daughter doesn't go every day. Some weeks she doesn't go at all. The problem is that each week I have a different schedule and daycare providers need to keep their ratios of caregivers/children. So we have actually paid full time and not sent her every day. I have been looking for just a babysitter on the days I need but it is a bit nerve racking scheduling every week. I'm now looking into nanny services. We use to have an in-home daycare but in my new neighborhood, they don't have any. At least none registered with the city. I'm searching and have posted on craigslist etc.

I have learned that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
–Henry David Thoreau

Sita Tara's picture

I would say that maybe this "school" atmosphere is too much for her right now. I would agree with a more family type daycare facility. A lot of churches have really good daycare programs because they can afford more (not much overhead if the church is running it's own daycare.) That's the kind I sent the boys to and they loved it there. There was still preschool stuff but a lot of just playing time.

I also like the idea mentioned before of an early child ed student, if you can find one. Our high school had a wonderful program for students interested in going on to early child ed. They were highly trained (including CPR) and very into the kids. I had a few excellent sitters for the boys that came through that program. Problem is that students are really busy during the day with classes. But you might be able to find someone.
Peace, love, and red wine

steppie1999's picture

think she is to personally attack your character as a Mother?? or to ASSume that you don't "spend enough time around your daughter as a Mother"?? That seems like a personal attack and to say the least...VERY UNPROFESSIONAL!!!!
Pull your daughter out and find a BETTER school.
As for DH....men don't handle emotional situations well....easier for them to be passive and bury their heads in the sand.

"SOME PEOPLE WEREN'T MEANT TO HAVE CHILDREN" Sad

Angel's picture

she is using the Spanish subjunctive form! Although it is slang---but nonetheless the subjunctive!!!!

I think that you and your daughter will be much happier with the nanny. I was a working mom & I know what you are going thru. Good luck.

stepwitch's picture

There is absolutely no way u are going to feel comfortable leaving your child in here care, first step has already been done. She's two , what will it be at three? I would defenanetly had said something like two year olds are spongess, they obsorb everything, speech pattern, behavior, ECT. Rudenudess being imitated by this place and I will not subject her to this type of behavior.

Stepwitch
Thank you Disney for portraying a positive image on all stepmothers!!!!

kathleen's picture

Hi, Thank you ALL SO MUCH. This has been a crazy week trying to figure this out. I'm on my way out to meet a nanny who can work with my schedule, hopefully. She sounds so great on the phone. We've had several conversations. I also have a daycare set up for two days a week. I have to make a decision tomorrow about the daycare so hopefully I'll know much better after I meet Alexa the nanny.

I'll keep you posted.

Sita Tara's picture

One of my best most energetic, beautiful, caring and happy friends is named Alexa. There aren't a lot of them with that name you know. So I see it as a good sign Smile

Peace, love, and red wine