Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Kicked out of Kindermusic

It is official, I am a terrible mother who cannot control my crazy undisciplined child. Monday Hailey was kicked out of Kindermusic and it was all my fault.
We have been going to KM since Hailey was 5 months old and she was never a huge fan, but she seemed to like socializing and I really enjoy getting out and talking to people, so we have signed up each fall and spring since. Last fall semester was a little difficult because I was HUGE pregnant and Hailey made me carry her most of the time, and aside from her trying to kiss and pet a boy named Connor she was relatively well behaved. We started the spring semester in January and she actually seemed to have turned a corner. She was dancing to the songs, listening to the story and rocking her stuffed animal during quiet time, and Max was good most of the time so I was feeling good about it. However, near the end of March it all went bad. Hailey started climbing everything, running around and generally being crazy. Max also decided around the same time that his carrier was awful and would no longer stay in it for any time that it was not moving in the car. I have pulled her out of class for time outs and left early, but each Monday we come back and I am am hopeful that she will behave like she used to, and she doesn't. Yesterday I almost didn't go, but I did, and as her behavior went from bad to worse I finally left in the middle of class as the teacher was whispering that it may be best if she not come back for the last class. I am angry because I feel that was rude, but I am most of all mad at myself because I put Hailey, the class, and myself through this torture week after week. I know why I did it and that is why I am a bad mother. I knew that Hailey wasn't that into the class and that we should have quit long ago, but I yearned to be a part of the mommy inner circle of women in the class, so I kept bringing her in hopes of securing a playdate. I actually did get a playdate and one mom told me that Hailey's previous week's antics made for the most entertaining KM class ever and that she was impressed with my ability to juggle Max, scold Hailey, and not go insane at the same time. It made me feel a tiny bit better, but mostly just more embarrassed because my daughter is entertainment. Oh well, I guess this seals the deal on no more Kindermusic and I will be looking for a good 2 year old gymnastics class in the fall :)

I will leave you with a pic of Hailey saying cheese when I asked her to smile pretty. I can't stay mad at this face too long :)
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10 comments:

Wendy said...

HEy momma- Don't you get down on yourself. At her age, she is not going to sit down!! AND, it was really rude of the teacher to say that. I would be asking for a pro-rated amount of money back since I "wasn't allowed to come back". That is just rude. Anyways, I really feel you on the play date thing. I went to every group imaginable (except KM)in hopes of meeting other mommies to play with! I needed out of my house and fast!

Janice said...

I would have a hard time saying no to that face either!

That teacher should understnad that the kids she's teaching ARE TODDLERS - meaning, they'll be all over the place and generally "be crazy" - what does she expect, that they sit on their little heinies all nice and sweet the whole time? Sheesh.

I gotta hand it to you for taking the kids out on your own. I never went out with both kids by myself until Ava was 10 months! I try to but just can't seem to get it together. It would be nice to hang out with other moms once in a while. Don't worry, you'll find an activity for Hailey that will work best for all fo you. You are doing an awesome job!

Jonathan's Mommy said...

I am SO sorry that teacher was such a meanie (I'll save more choice words for another time!). You are an incredible mother with two awesome children. I admire you for being able to get all three of you out of the house and to a social activity!

Hailey is completely a normal two year old and if the other kids in the class are sitting there like KM zombies, THAT'S what is weird. I am certain that you will find another activity that she likes and where you can meet some other cool moms, too.

I also totally understand where you are coming from on the mommy circle. I think you are amazing in your ability to be a stay at home mom and NOT go insane! I wish I lived closer to you so we could get Jonathan and Hailey together for playdates!

I love you and hope you have a better day today!!

Kimberly said...

That is a bunch of BS!! I can't believe that the teacher asked you to leave!!! I wouldn't want to be in a class like that anyway!

Don't be to hard on yourself...you are a great mommy...and you don't need KM with a crazy teacher anyway!

Bryan said...

It if it any consolation, I was kicked out of Kindermusic just 10 years ago at the age of 25. Apparently they are pretty hardcore about the following:
1) Age limits
2) Must bring a CHILD to the program
3) Not really a dating smorgasbord
4) Not like gymnastics - may not wear leotard to class
5) Pink Floyd is not acceptable for children under the age of 16

Wendy said...

ONce again that Bryon takes the cake with is amusing comments!!

Alicia said...

Oh, I've been there. Try having a 2-yr-old who can't be quiet in a library for storytime. God forbid! Needless to say, I was so mortified I didn't even try to go back until 2 years later (at a different library.) People seriously expect too much out of 2-yr-olds sometimes. They are going to be rowdy and they don't always understand all the rules. They are still learning! Anyway, I feel your pain...

How about gymnastics?! They have programs for tikes out here. Seems like something she may love!

Wendy said...

Happy Mothers Day!! Hope you day is full of celebration of what a wonderful mommy you are!!

Janice said...

Hope you had a great Mother's Day!!!

Anonymous said...

Wish you had our KM teacher. All of the two year olds run wild at some point in time. The room is empty, so there is nothing for them to climb on. If the teacher couldn't keep your child engaged, then she wasn't doing her job!