This question has been popping up rather frequently after J turned 18 months old. I've talked to my mum umpteen times about it. I've discussed with the hubby for months. I even spoke to my close friends about it. Pretty sure they are sick of my ding-dong-ing by now. Sorry girls!
The last time I broached this topic, we decided that Grandma School is doing fine. Well, it still is.
J gets her outdoor fun, nature walks and occasional swims (we don't really have luck with the pool. It's either closed or temporarily closed due to lightning alerts).
She gets her sensory play and doodling sessions almost daily.
She gets story time with every adult in the house.
She is learning from play, through play, and other experiences, which is what I want. I think sitting down and doing worksheets can wait till formal school. I'm not eager to start her on phonics, yet. But I'd love for her to be in touch with nature as much as possible right now because I know that once she goes to Primary School, schoolwork will take up a huge portion of her time. Please tell me I'm wrong.
The only thing we are unable to provide - little friends. And that's the one thing she really need now. Friends. Interaction with children her age.
Decisions have to be made soon since it's the enrolment period for most playgroups. It's down to programmes I like vs the price tags. I really would prefer J not to start on academics so soon.
1. Julia Gabriel's PlayClub ($$$$$)
I like their programmes most. From the reviews I read, it's more play and not so much academics (phonics, counting etc) but good things don't come cheap. I've yet to formally ask about the fees yet but from what I gathered, it's easily $1000+.
2. Grandma School + My Gym ($$$)
Stick to Grandma School and attend gym classes once a week. From what I understand, it can satisfy J's needs for physical activities, and she gets to attend "school" once a week. And interact with the other children!
This is not as pricey as JG, but still, quite a strain on our pockets.
3. Just Grandma School.
And friends can wait till next year.
This is probably the most tormenting option for J - no little friends!
Or we could pop by the playgrounds and try our luck to see if we can make some friends. I used to make friends just by going to the playground, you know?
Where are the other children?
4. Look for fellow SAHMs on Facebook.
Because Facebook is everything right now. I'd love this option but I also do have an unexplainable fear of meeting people I know online.
5. (Dream on...) Go to some other countries and stay for a while
Okay. This option will never happen but I'm just going to put it down. Maybe Santa will see it and decide to give me an early X'mas present. I see the toddler reading library programmes some countries have. I see playgroups that focuses on play. I see the vast space they have and the endless opportunities the children gets to play in nature. So much envy. (But we have peace and stability.)
Ugh.
Alright, let's put an end to this dreaming.
Anyway, I thought that thinking aloud may help ease the decision-making but it looks like this mental tug-of-war will last for a while. If I'm still up at 1am, that tells a lot. Fingers cross that I will be able to arrive at a decision soon!
Edit: I've purchased three sessions of trial classes for My Gym. They are currently having the SG50 promotion. It's really worth it since the usual trial class is at $50 each.
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