Enrichment Classes

Shannon is 17 months now. I reckon it's about time I expose Shannon to some kind of playgroup activities so that she has the opportunity to interact with children of her age.

We sent Rachel to her 1st playgroup when she was 15 months old. We were happy with the outcome of our action as Rachel grew up to be an extremely cheerful and sociable child. She is also highly adaptable to new environments. When we stopped her babysitting arrangement and placed her at a new childcare centre at the age of 3, we never have to go through wailing and screaming episodes every morning when we dropped her off at the centre. I was in the centre with her for only first half of the day (although I was allowed to sit through with her for 1st 3 days) and then she was on her own after that. At age 4, I switched her to PCF Nursery class and then a new childcare centre (closer to home) at the age of 5. With every change and new environment, it was painless and Rachel adapted well. Patrick and I attributed it partly to the effect of the playgroup sessions that it had on her. I hope she will have no problem assimilating into yet another new environment when she enters Primary one.

I did some search over the internet but have not decided on which playgroup to send Shannon to. I am not even sure if we have the time to do that as these playgroups for this age group are usually held once a week on weekends.

Our weekends (more of Saturday as Patrick and I agreed to reserve Sunday for family time) are now packed with enrichment activities for Rachel. She has violin and gymnastic lessons on Saturday, and will soon start her Kumon class on Saturday morning as well.

Patrick used to (still does at times) reprimand me for being a "kiasu" mother and depriving our child of a childhood that she rightly deserved. I do feel guilty of it at times. So now, I am cautious not to let Shannon follows suit. But some friends commented that I neglected Shannon.

I guess there is no right or wrong. It all depends on every development stage of what is best for the child.