So long ... Daycare!

Last August was supposed to be my boy's last day at daycare. Because of Covid, my wife, WY and I decided to keep him there a little while longer. A little while turned into 7 months. With the raising numbers of this third wave (approx 4800 today), we want to keep him home, period. So today is his last day. This daycare center has done nothing short of an exceptional job raising my boy (shout out to director A. and her crew!). We met wonderful educators, parents and kids that taught us so much about ourselves. So many emotions right now. It feels like my 4 year old is graduating from university.

First and foremost, I am proud of my boy. He has developed into a mature young boy for his age. He know alot about being kind, generous and empathetic. Like the time when he hands a tissue paper to A. who misses her mom. He still says sorry way too much but that's our fault for being too Canadian. A few parents come to us asking if we are E's parents. They tell us their kid talk about E at home alot. I guess being the oldest kid there made him popular. No doubt, it has everything has to do with how he treats other kids.

Thinking back how we found this place, it was such a moment of serendipity. At the time, we already have our names on a few waiting lists (note: for those not familiar with the Ontario child care system. It can take months and sometimes years to get into a daycare). None of the places we visited really impressed us. One place had a bad smell. One place has kids who are like caged animals staff that looks tired and bored. Then one random day, WY went to get Thai food at this strip mall (the Thai food was not great). But she noticed a daycare center right next door. She walked over and  looked in from the window to see if there's someone she can talk to. One of the teachers came out and introduce WY to the director, A. The two ladies chatted and our name went on their wait list. That night, WY told me how happy the kids were at this place. And how the staff is energized and has this twinkle in their eyes. As if they WANT to work their, not HAD to. This place was special. So we prayed and wish that we'd get accepted. WY called a few times to show genuine enthusiasm. When we got the phonecall, it was elation! We have won the lottery.

E came home one day and we couldn't help but notice a dark circle around one of his eyes. He was fine. It was in the summer and he kept on his two year old happy go lucky self. I, on the other hand, was not. I was livid. "Who did this to my baby! I want answers. We must sign him up for self defense class...". These were thoughts that went through my head. Upon further consideration and many deep breaths later, this is a lesson that my boy need to learn for himself. The kid needs to learn to stand-up for himself. We did talk to nice people at the center about the incident. The "other" parent feels horrible about the whole thing. E is not the only kid that this kid was hitting. Days later, my boy doesn't want to go the school. We'd rehearse what we'd do if the other kid looks like he might attack again (i.e. puff up and say NO loudly). It was tough for a few weeks before E got the hang of it. Before we know it, this problem went away. And now, this incident seemed like ancient history.

With gratitude, I thank the staff at the center for your kindness and care. For giving us parents a break and peace of mind because we know our children are in good hands. To the parents, for your warm smile and nods as we crouch down at the cubby to frentically pull off their indoor shoes and put on boots in the winter time. Thanks to the the few parents who took a chance and decide to become friends. And thanks for reminding me that I am not the only one always exhausted.