In Conversation.....

I was talking to Tilly today about school and how she was doing. In general it has gone down like any other thing she's ever attended on a regular basis. The first week she was fine, stoic, handling it. The second week things started to go a bit pear shaped. Then added to this, every other class she usually attends (and loves - because I'm not into sending her to things she doesn't like...) became horrible to her. She cried before every class for every thing. Ballet, Sunday school, regular school. I thought it might be best if I get her into the classroom and leave without making too much of a fuss and let her and the teacher deal with it. Praise the Lord her teacher is a regular little darling. Sweet, loving, gentle. How wrong could I have been however in regards to my approach to sending her to school. This week I had a thought to sit in the classroom with her in the mornings while they are having their morning free play. And we've made a turn around.....

Now Evie and I go to stay with her for around half an hour. We usually play cooking and have a nice time together. There are several other mothers wandering around in the classroom and her teacher actually encouraged it. It's like a play date for Evie and gets her nice and tired for when I bring her home at 9am ready for her nap. Then after school I take Tilly and Evie to the playground attached to the school. It's a lovely little setup and great for Evie too. They have a blast for about 45 minutes, again, getting Evie nice and tired for her second nap. And Tilly is making a much smoother transition having me stay there that little bit in the morning. She wasn't the only one crying and some still are. And as to the conversation this afternoon while walking home. We spoke of general things, how she's feeling about being there, who she knocks about with. Then I asked her:

"Who is that little girl that cries every morning, what's her name?"

"I don't know?"

"You know, the little one and she cries and cries every morning."

"Ummmm, (long pause). Is it me mama?"

"Hahaha, no love. You're the other little one that cries and cries. You know, the little one."

"Haha, oh I know. But I don't know her name.."

She really thought I was talking about her. Well for Tilly at least, the tears have stopped. For her and the little one actually. They both had tear free days today. She was always happy however at lunch when I came to pick her up, but sticking close to the teacher. Now this week when I went to get her she was with her classmates doing things. I think for Tilly her inability to fully express herself in Chinese had her bummed. Tilly is very much a communicator. Our conversations are often long and in depth. I think she certainly feels out of her league there without having complete fluency in Chinese and told Steve and I as much. But she's making friends now and speaking a lot more. When we go on the walk home I keep the Chinese up to her and now I've even started translating a lot of things so she's got the hang of it in both lingos. I can see her mind ticking over a thousand miles a minute. It's been an interesting and unexpected journey. But she is enjoying the learning and the making of new friends.