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Have I mentioned that I’m a worrier?
I’m sure I have at some point. You know, when I’m ranting about how I need to slow down my life and be present.
Pray more. Worry less.
Understand + live under the shelter of my Heavenly Father who has a great plan always for my life.
Today we have a meeting with Katelyn’s preschool teacher.
Last week + this week I’m interviewing new preschools.
The school that Katelyn is at has been wonderful.
Still is wonderful + it’s where Brayden will start preschool in January.
I searched long and hard for the perfect preschool for Katelyn.
One that would embrace her social nature and love for life.
That would give her an enthusiasm for learning.
Katelyn has a love for learning
much like her mommy’s
with a personality that lights up a room
much like her daddy.
How could I really complain?
How can I be worried?
She loves school
She loves her teacher
She loves doing her homework
She loves her friends
She’s respectful of her peers + teachers
yet…
Developmentally she’s not where she needs to be I don’t think.
Trust me when I say that I know every kids learns at a different pace.
I have a Master’s in Education.
But I can’t help but have this itch in the back of my head that maybe Katelyn needs more of a push to help her academic growth.
Maybe she needs a more structured, concentrated environment to learn in.
I’m not bragging when I say that she’s a smart girl.
She is.
She remembers things that happened when she was 2.
She can drive by a place she went once and remember it, point it out and tell us why she went there.
If we drive down certain streets she can tell you whose house we’re going too.
But she’s not writing on her own.
She’s not recognizing her letters + numbers consistently.
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So here’s my dilemma
We’re meeting with the school to decide if we need to move her for her last semester of preschool.
Do we pull her from a place she’s been for almost 2 years?
Remove her from the friends she’s made?
Just thinking about it makes me feel like I could possibly be the worst parent ever?
But wouldn’t I be worse if I didn’t think about what is best for her in the long run?
She’ll make new friends.
But if she has the chance to learn and grow academically to help her be ready for kindergarten,
isn’t that us, as parents, making the right choice for her?
Even if it seems difficult now.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that if you have a minute and you can pray for us today, we’d appreciate it.
Pray that we are able to make the right choice for her.
This whole thing has been feeling emotional and vulnerable.
I get that on one hand she’s only 4 1/2, but on the other hand, she’s 4 1/2 and needs to be ready for kindergarten.
So if you think about it, our meetings at 11 and our next preschool tour is on Wednesday.
We just want to do what’s right for our little girl.
I don’t want to look back on this time and feel as though I failed to make the best choice for her now
One that would and could affect her future.
Have any of you struggled with this? How did you know what decision would be best?
Katelyn is wearing BabyGap + these pictures were part of a shoot we did with Cristina Robeck Photography
Erica says
You sweet, sweet soul! I know this struggle all too well. Our oldest son sounds just like you daughter in that he too was behind on academic skills at her same age. I know you have a Masters Degree but the one thing I can tell you that no degree can is that children all learn differently and at different paces! If Someone would have told me this 3 years ago it would have saved me a lot of worry, heartache, and tears. We first noticed his being a little behind around 4-4 1/2 and I can tell you that even though he was behind academically he was advanced in other areas that were not being scored on a piece of paper. I give kudos to you for being proactive with your daughter education and will be praying for you!
Emily Angell says
Wow! So much to think about and consider and pray about! I can see how that would be incredibly worrisome. I will be praying that when you walk into that preschool on Wednesday, that the Lord will clearly answer your prayer… that he will give you PEACE about either moving her or keeping her at the current preschool…. that you and your husband would both feel the same peace and be in agreement on what to do… that the Lord would calm those worries and that he would remind you of what an AWESOME mama you are and how the love you give your daughter is the best teacher in her life because it comes from the One who loves her most.
Nicole says
Such a hard thing to have to think about. I know my son is much younger but I already worry about if he is doing things that others his age are doing. I know you and Kyle will make the best decision. I will be thinking about you all this week and praying! Love you!
Alana @ The Bliss Diaries says
This is one of those life circumstances where the “right” answer isn’t 100% clear and we being to just ask God to “give us the answer already”. But, that’s now how it works. Instead, we have to trust and pray. I will definitely be praying for wisdom and discernment. And, just know that whatever you decide to do in the end, even if it means moving schools and changing friends, you’re still a good mom because of your concern.
Karri says
Mamas know best. In their gut, they really do.
I guess I’d start w/ finding out what they expect them to know at the start of kindergarten and then finding a place that will make sure that she’s challenged and will get her there. It may be the best preschool on earth, but as you know, she may just need one to cater to her style.
Good luck!
Jenn @ The Jenn Diaries says
Ah, I have a post like this that has been sitting in my drafts for a couple of months now. I’m going through the same thing and I’m having a hard time. I pulled my son out of the preschool he was in and I don’t have any other options here. We’re not moving until next year to a place with numerous options but by then it’ll be time for kindergarten and I just don’t feel like he’ll be ready. I drive myself crazy trying to come up with a plan in my current situation and it’s something I constantly worry about. Ya’ll are awesome parents and want to do what’s right for her. Ya’ll are in my thoughts and I’ll be praying for you guys.
Hugs,
Jenn
Elizabeth says
Stumbled over here via From My Grey Desk today and your words captured my heart. Praying for the perfect will of God to be made clear to you and your hubby and for his peace to settle your hearts as you make this decision. At the end of the day cling to the promise in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Chacoy says
I would say have her tested. If there is something to worry about they will find it and get her on her way to fixing it.
I would also suggest leaving her there until you’ve had her tested. Her preschool should have a list of places to go for this testing…
Your not unlike any other parent who worries about their children(:
Good luck to you both!
Amanda {at} Royal Daughter Designs says
OH Alissa. I’m so sorry you’re even having to make this decision. Katelyn is a treasure, and I hope you get one big heaping dose of wisdom from God as you and Kyle seek answers.
Love you, friend.
Victoria Gugino says
Our Children could be twins! I am having the exact same issue with my little one. He’s 4 1/2 and excels at preschool, so they say, but won’t write his name on his own, or write words at home like anyone else. He remembers things and can spell, but won’t / can’t read words. I’m so nervous when Kindergarten comes. Praying for you!
Jessica says
Aww bless you and your sweet family. I know for myself when these things come up with my daughter, I’m really put in a position where I feel like I have to hear from the Lord. Because I don’t know what to do.
There is grace for you in this decision making process, I know from reading your blog your daughter is happy, and surrounded by love, and these are major contributors to the blessed future the Lord has for her.
Kate says
I don’t have children, and couldn’t imagine the weight of having to make decisions like these. I am an occupational therapy student though, and we discuss children in situations like these. Have you thought about enrolling her in a supplemental learning program? Some occupational therapy, supplemental learning, or after school programs could provide the extra something she needs. None the less, I’ll pray for your family 🙂
Aries says
I just stumbled upon your blog. I think your putting far too much pressure on yourself and your child. She will be ready for kindergarten, she is in preschool and that is enough. Not all children even go to preschool, especially in this day and age of financial hardship in society. Do you really think all children who are beginning kindergarten know how to write their abc’s and names perfectly? No! Anyway, my point is that not all kids go to preschool and its not required, so you need to give yourself a reality check about the expectations your putting on yourself and child, and I mean that in a kind way. Why cant you just work with her at home in the areas you feel are lacking, and get her up to speed that way?
Amy Z. says
Hey 🙂 found you from the pleated poppy link up!
Listen to your momma’s heart. Have your sweet girl evaluated and make informed decisions. Remember, during all of this, to take time and focus on what brings you closer. I have 3 amazing children- 2 of whom have special struggles. May God lead you in the best direction for your babe.
xo
Nancy (@ Spinning My Plates) says
I understand your challenge and dilemma completely. We went through the same thing last year with my son. He was on the low range for his age and had inconsistent issues with letter and number recognition. I began to wonder if he was dyslexic or even on the autism spectrum (he can also be very temperamental). We opted to pull him from the Catholic school our kids had attended for the past four years and put him and our 3rd grader into a public charter school with a project-based curriculum. In addition, speech therapy helped him communicate better and reduced is tantrums significantly. We also discovered that he has a significant vision issue. With both eyes he sees fine, but the right eye is doing all the work. Between the speech therapy, eye patch therapy, glasses and new approach to learning, my son has gone from frustrated and barely getting by to being at and above grade level. He’s still painfully shy with new people and hates public speaking, but he loves school now and looks forward to learning every day.
Our family’s solutions may not be your solutions. I share only to let you know that you’re not alone in your struggle and I encourage you to keep an open mind about the possibility of changing schools. We all learn differently and she just needs to find her way (with a little help from you).
Best wishes to you as you go through this difficult discernment. Parenting is often a series of difficult decisions made with the best intentions and the best information we have available.