My Montessori Child

It has been shamefully long since I last updated this blog. Life's circumstances have kept me busier that I would like. In the meantime, my baby has been growing into a truly unique person all his own. Despite all of the developmental tests that say he is speech delayed, Ayinde is talking up a storm. I will be curious to see what the therapist says at his very first speech appointment at Howard University. The circle of life is bringing my baby and me back to my Alama Matter. Anyway, as I toyed with the idea of sending Ayinde to school to receive services that I seemed unable to get any other way, my homeschool community surrounded me with love, support and common sense. They only confirmed what I felt after visiting childcare centers and preschools. Ayinde is not ready and home is where he needs to be in a loving environment where he can explore and be a child. Ayinde is a driven, purposeful, busy little tinkerer. Circle time, reading groups and standing in line would probably work for a week or two and then I'd probably start getting those calls. I spoke with a friend last night who said that her 3yo son was kicked out of preschool and suspended for one month from pre-k. What kind of world do we live in? Guess what, the dear child's birthday is 5 days before Ayinde's April 25th birthday. Yep, a fellow Taurian -- determined and stubborn at times. She said her son was having trouble with "transitions." That's teacher code word for "stop what you are doing and move on to what I have for you to do next." I like about the Montessori approach. Let the child become as absorbed as long as the interest is there. So my second journey down this road (I did the same thing with my older son Zion) has led me back to homeschooling Ayinde too. I have found some alternative programs, such as half day co-ops, parent/child Montesori program (1 day a week) and Waldorf parent/child preschool. All of the programs give Ayinde the best of both worlds. An opportunity to learn and grow with other children and be at home with mom where he wants and needs to be. Yes, it's a financial sacrifice. But he will never be 2, 3 or even 4 years old again. I'm trusting God to provide our needs and lead me in the right financial direction.

I love watching Ayinde. He's amazingly resourceful and independent. He finds a way to get what he wants. He knows how to find the screw driver and batteries when his toys need replacements. He knows how to seek and find his favorite vitamins. He loves to cook. He loves the skateboard. And he is obssesed with the violin. Yes, I still give praises that he came!