Monday, June 2, 2008

Transitions, "big kid" stuff, and weepy nanny

My older charge is in camp for the very first time this week. In other words, this is the first time EVER I have taken her somewhere and left her there. ALONE!

Well, OK, she was actually with 7 other 3 and 4 year olds, and 2 teachers, and 2 teen helpers, and a bunch of other older kids. But I wasn't there. And I have always been there for her. Since she was less than 1 week old, I have been there to take care of her, comfort her, help her with the evil that is putting on shoes...

So, my little beanie is getting older. She starts school a few days a week this fall. I may not survive. Can nearly 40 year olds have seperation anxiety? Is the weepy stuff just silly when the kid isn't even your own? Is it totally selfish to want to keep her little forever?

Answers: Yes, complete with tears. No, not when you've been with them an awful lot of the time and love them lots. Yes, because as scary as it is to send her off into the world, she is so smart, and so funny, and so ready to take on whatever is out there. You know, on the 3 year old "whatever is out there" level.

I just have to remember that I now get to have some solo time with the little sister, a charming and talented toddler. It'll be terrific to get to know her as a solo act. Buttercup is a hoot and a half.

Also, just FYI? Anyone messes with my Beanie, I will HURT you.

3 comments:

Sue Doe-Nim said...

I have a total SAHM crush on you.

You sound like a mother. It's hard growing them up.

SSGranolaGirl said...

Love the stories, keep 'em coming!

BTW-you mean chocolate isn't the fifth food group?

Andrea aka~ Happy Nanny ;-D said...

I know exactly what you mean!

I was with my little one since she was 11 months old. When she was 4- she was ready to do swim class on her own. The other mom's went to get coffee, etc. Me...I stood right by the door to watch and be close, just in case she needed me!

When she started pre-school I was always the first one there for pick up! It took a while, but I finally got used to it.