Friday, October 03, 2008
no dancing
D: This summer our Au Pair and the Deuce have spent their days together running, climbing, splashing, jumping, and digging in our yard. But as the weather quickly turns cold, wet and dark (ah, lovely Seattle) I have tried to arrange several age appropriate, out-of-the-house activities for the boys. I've often mentioned how busy and adventurous these little boys are, so life cooped up in the house this winter just won't cut it.
Thankfully Seattle is full of classes and activities to enroll your children in as toddlers. I've found toddler/parent music classes, toddler/parent dance classes, toddler/parent gardening classes, even toddler/parent circus training classes. But as you can imagine, the one to one ratio tends to be a bit tricky when it's just our Au Pair and the Deuce.
Thankfully after calling around to several places I found a great dance class that assured me that the classroom environment is extremely energetic and interactive and that the teacher would be there to help out. So, they all have been going for the last 3 weeks, and loving it! They come home hopping and galloping around the house (all things I've never taught them), and our Au Pair says she is also learning a lot about ways to engage the children.
Unfortunately, I received a call yesterday from the teacher telling me that she doesn't think it's going to work out. She feels that while our Au Pair is doing a phenomenal job of working with the kids and keeping them 'controlled' (what ever that means) she feels that she is simply pulled in too many directions and is not able to properly teach the class. She said we can try one more week, and if it's still too chaotic, the boys will be out.
Of course, I got pretty bummed about this yesterday and those around me got to hear my fierce protective Mama Bear reaction... "that's not fair!" "that's twin discrimination" "what on earth are twin toddlers supposed to do for fun around here?!"
But since then I've had time to think. I realize that yes, the teacher was probably having a bad day and might have reacted harshly (other parents in the class have told me they are shocked, because the boys seem to be so engaged and having so much fun). But as a twin mom I simply need to get more creative with planning our activities. Enough with the one/one ratio classes! We're going to find alternatives! Where? Not quite sure yet, but I'll keep you posted.
Until then, they boys will be wearing their raincoats and rain boots more often, while dancing in the puddles in the yard.
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Yes finding structured out of the house activities are difficult to find with twins. We are unable to do Mommy-and-me swim lessons, unable to take gym because there must be one parent with each child. Sometimes I get sooo frustrated, but do get over it quickly because I know as I know you do too, we are sooo blessed to have twins. Many blessings.
It's so frustrating, and really does further limit the things we can all do together. My kids are younger and not *as* active, but still... we need to have ways to run around and get out of the house. Especially once winter hits. I've got some workable classes and things set up for this fall, but I'm already a bit nervous for after the holidays. Both kids running around, snow and cold, dropping a nap... yikes!
Hi Dana
We used to take our kids to Kindermusic classes at University Heights. Ms. Sharon is awesome and very understanding of hosting twin parents in her music classes. Check it out. I think you or anna would be welcome solo there with the boys.
My kids were going to her classes same age as your boys..
Archana
Puddles are much cooler anyway!
We are on two waiting lists for two different activities in town. When I called to put them on the list, I was given the "oh! you mean you need BOTH spaces to be available at the same time?!?" speech that we heard a gazillion times during our daycare search while pregnant. It's beyond frustrating!
Either way, we'll stay on the waiting lists and see where it takes us, but in the mean time, we'll be putting on our parkas and hats and heading outside.
Twin discrimination---love it!
Dana,
Every community has a center which has TOddler Time. The best one I found was Madison (I think) Community Center on T and Th. Jocelyn and I did this. Gymboree is another option, there is one in Ballard, that would work. The community centers are great and the boys can run around like maniacs with all the other toddlers. I'll gather my memories of what we did all week and get back to you!
Court