So, aside from preschool I've done a really great job of avoiding activities. No Gymboree, no Kindermusik, no art classes, none of that crap. We do that stuff at home, we go to the park (not nearly often enough, because I hate the park), we sometimes make it to library story time.
I don't really like being in a room full of strangers. I don't like having to sing songs and do dances. I don't like parenting under the supervision of an unnaturally cheerful young person. I kind of wanted something for the girls to wear themselves out doing, while I sat and knitted and watched them with absent-minded affection. I really, really hoped this gymnastics class I enrolled them in was going to be that.
Yeah, it wasn't. It was me running around after them as they went around an obstacle course of padded blocks and balance beams and trampolines, and having to small talk with strangers. HATED it. It was exactly like I imagined such activities would be. Bunch of kids who've done this same class over and over again for a year and feel a very strong sense of entitlement toward the equipment which seems to extend to their parents, some of whom stood benignly smiling as their little angels took their sweet-assed time, while my girls salivated for their chance and I passive-aggressively repeated over and over "Just be patient, it'll be our turn soon".
Also, Maggie's not so much for following rules. Or taking turns. Or waiting in lines. Or listening, or being good. Or any kind of forward somersaulting, either. When I wasn't feeling frustrated by having to wait for Princess Yogapants to finish her Olympic trampoline routine so my kids could take one quick jump before moving on to let someone else have a turn, I was feeling intense shame over Maggie's total disregard for authority.
Molly, on the other hand, was awesome. You know why? Preschool, that's why. Well, that and a shyness so crippling that public misbehavior is almost physically impossible.
What really sucks, for me, is that they both really loved it and I'm probably going to have to do this again and again until they learn to drive. This is not my area of parenting expertise, and I really don't even want it to be.
Ummm... that's not the right gymnastics class for you. There ARE ones where you sit on the side and knit, and whether or not Maggie follows directions is somebody else's problem for an hour (or however long).
Clearly Molly is ready for a non-parent participating class. Maggie? Well... maybe you could find a class for her on the weekends, and Dug could take her?
You've never ever struck me as shy. But this post ... does Molly get it from you or is her shyness a different strain than yours?
Posted by: Green | February 27, 2007 at 06:57 PM
Green is totally right. I hate the whole Gymboree thing. Two places you might check out (maybe a bit of a drive for you, but not that bad) would be San Mateo Gymnastics in Belmont. X goes there with dh on the weekend and does the class w/o dh (who often goes to nearby Peet's for coffee) so you could sit and knit. The place I take the kids to and we all love, love is Junior Gym. www.juniorgym.com It's in San Mateo, a bit of a hike, but the owners make it worthwhile. Justin is awesome--great, great music for each class, you can sit in the lobby and knit while the kids do the class. He's incredible with the kids. Definitely worth checking out.
Posted by: Poppy | February 28, 2007 at 09:39 AM
Thanks for the insights, guys. I'm feeling really bad-mama about my reaction to the class. It just wasn't what I wanted it to be: a chance for the girls to do something without me. It's a five-week parks and rec course so maybe I'll just consider it a practice run for the next level. And clearly from her behavior, Miss Maggie could use the practice run.
Posted by: patti | February 28, 2007 at 11:14 AM
Maybe now you know why I hated those classes and you were the only one who got to take them. Although yours was one where I sat on the sidelines and played with my new baby while you excelled in everything. I agree that they both need a class that is non-parent involved. Maggie probably needs a class for her age level only. She needs to learn to follow directions and she needs it with someone who will HELP her follow directions. Kids need activities that are without parents. I had babysitters for that if you recall. It isn't quite the same but it was the best I could do.
Posted by: Grammy | February 28, 2007 at 12:13 PM
Isn't it every mom's hope to have a Nanny? One that does everything and gives you all the credit? Makes your children behave perfectly and then tells you what little dears you have raised? I think I had that in another life and then God gave me the two that I have for this life to humble me. Your children will grow up to be terrific little ladies because they are part Martin. Just ask your Granddad. They will try your patience but so did you. love you bunches and hope you come for Christmas! Auntie N
Posted by: Auntie Nancy | February 28, 2007 at 12:35 PM