whew, so tired, so busy! I've started the Dr. Phil plan, but no good news to report as of today. Chase is having a grand time at the babysitter's. My big debate right now is whether to put him in pre-school 2 days a week. Several of my friends who have 2 year olds are starting them in the school's brand new 2 y.o. class. How did ya'll pick the age at which to start your children in preschool?
To preschool or not isn't the only troublesome thing in my life right now...
I am just having such a difficult time, personally. If it's not the (not) having a baby thing, it's finances. Our paychecks are spread so thin (mostly due to unexpected car repairs, etc.) that it's hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Hubs assures me that there is, indeed, a light out there somewhere, and that we will find it very soon. I guess what I'm finding to be the hardest is saving face. There isn't much that is more talked about, and looked down on in a small town as having financial "difficulties." In the setting I'm in daily, I hear conversations about so & so going through this or that...and I so dread it eventually being about me. It doesn't matter if it is just temporary (like ours); I hear so often "well, you know what happened to [them] back a couple of years ago, they couldn't make their house payment/car payment/etc...." It is troubling times like right now that I beat myself up over the decision to come back "home" to raise my family. Not because I don't like the actual town, but because of people like this. I am not meaning to sound petty, and I know things could be a whole lot worse. I guess I'm just venting, and trying to keep this stuff from building up in my head. If you don't mind, please say a little prayer for my family. Thanks....
Comments
I found your blog on a blog that I read faithfully. I hope you don't mind the surprise comment from stranger x.
My son is 3 years old and he is starting preschool tomorrow. I've always been a stay at home mom and decided that he could not go under anyone's care but my own until he spoke well enough to tell me exactly what happened.
As for the rest of the things going on in your life. Honey, if there is a family out there with atleast 1 child and they aren't struggling, I'd kiss their rump. My advice for the hens that spread the chicken shit, stay away from personal conversations with them. At the very least, you'll be the "unsocial" one.
~~April
Posted by: April | August 17, 2004 04:14 PM
Hi Charla!
My son is 2 1/2, and he has yet to start preschool. He's pretty outgoing and social, but I don't think that he's ready yet. I can't imagine him sitting still through a lesson, storytime or crafts. He's a busy little guy. So we're going to wait until next Fall.
On the other hand, my daughter who is now 4 has been very much into pre-school. She's always been very calm and somewhat precocious. They're personalities are so incredibly different...we went based on our gut feelings, and things seem to be working out.
I hope things get better for you financially. I think every family goes through bumpy times, and somehow things always work out. But I know how you feel when you're smack dab in the situation...things seem overwhelming (and scary sometimes). I think that it's good that you and your husband are communicating about it! And from a fellow teacher, watch what you say in that lounge! There are always "those" teachers who love to hear other's bad news! Yep, we have 'em at our school too!
Posted by: Rubber-Sol | August 17, 2004 10:22 PM
Charla, I'm sorry to hear that you're going through a rough spot (RubberSol is right--we all go through one every now and again). Just remember that the gossips sometimes gossip to make themselves feel better about a shortcoming of their own (I think they're reasoning that it's better to deflect the negative attention in pre-emptive strides). I hope it doesn't get you too down. At the end of the day, everyone has to deal with their own "stuff," no matter how much they love to dish about others. Just know you're better than that and vent away (it's YOUR blog!).
Take good care!!
G
ps~no kids, so no preschool advice. I for one did enjoy it for the social and crafty stimulation, but I started at 3, not 2.5...
Posted by: Giao | August 19, 2004 02:15 AM
Ohh Charla, I can so relate. I breathed a sigh of relief when I realized Jake was going to kindergarten this fall. Not only because he's going to love it, but because it's going to open up a few hundred dollars for us a month. If you're looking for an affordable but good preschool, check out the local churches and parks & rec programs. Sometimes they have good ones.
Regarding the plastic, perfect hoochie Mommas around town, just ignore them. They're usually a total panicked mess inside trying to 'keep up.'They're not as perfect as they seem. I overheard a group of them candidly talking at the park the other day about how up to their eyeballs they are in debt. So, honey, everyone's feeling the pinch.
Just be thankful for what you got, and keep the faith. Things will ease up. Everything will work out in the end, it always does. Just try not to stress too much, it's not good for you!
Posted by: liz | August 19, 2004 11:10 AM
Hang in there! Car expenses are the worst. They come up at bad times and cost so much.
Two years old seems young for preschool, but every child is different. I'm sure they gear the two year old class differently than for the older ones. I wold think potty training would be an issue for most.
My 3.5 y/o is starting next week, and will go two mornings per week. She's excited.
Posted by: Marcia | August 19, 2004 07:56 PM