WALDORF "INSPIRED" PLAYGROUP
We have been going to a playgroup now for a couple of months and altho' it is one of Booty's favorites I sometimes have a hard time. It is not airconditioned and the sweat pours down my face. Oftentimes, the facilitator invites people to come hang out with the children (without letting us know until the last minute) and it is difficult for the little ones, who can be shy around strangers to relax completely into their play. Today the facilitator invited a friendly guy who she was mentoring. Booty freaked out and lay on my lap for 20 minutes and then insisted she be carried around. She told me, "I am scared." and "I don't like that dadda." I told the facilitator that we would be leaving if my daughter didn't begin to relax. Instead the mentee left and all was well. Sort of. Every week there is a "craft" that we are not obliged to do but the product assists the story at the end of the morning. These craft projects just aren't suitable for young children so the moms end up making them and usually they take up too much time and the children don't get to sit for tea until very late, 1130 or so (having been playing since 930). Today I brought a sesame seed and peanut snack bar for the girl because I knew she would get hungry and in turn cranky. "I want to go home," is what she has said almost every week when she starts to feel a little empty. When it is tea time, most of the other children and moms are not quite ready to come in as they are finishing up the craft, (which I opt out of) and Booty sits at the table and waits, eyeing the food. She is a marvel, waiting like that. I know she gets a lot from the playgroup but I am glad it is over. Too much of it doesn't work for us. I am not sure if I should share all of this feedback but because I am me, I will.