I always believed that the first-time parents have an “extra” on everything for their first-born child. Among others, we are overly cautious, extremely giving and have an extra yearning for what’s best for our child. Sometimes, or most of the times, we even want them to be ahead of the other kids their age. From physical milestones like walking, being verbally expressive, to reading or counting at an age when they’re not yet supposed to, the list goes on and on. Whenever I see in Facebook other friends’ toddler, who is of the same age as 3D, I used to be guilty of asking myself, “why is 3D not yet capable of doing that?” Aminin…in one way or another, na-experience niyo rin ito, right? :)
However, no matter how I want my child to develop soonest he can, I don’t have the luxury of time and effort to fully focus on educating or providing stimulus to trigger his early development on a regular basis.
Because I’m a 9AM-to-8PMish-sometimes-longer-WORKING MOM.
The unexpected blessing called Musikgarten
On our way home from church one day, I spotted this signage on a building, which happens to be Musikgarten’s branch in Pacita. It was a blessing in disguise because I thought that finally, I can fulfill my wish to expose him to more learning opportunities, other kids, and music. I perceived the school and the teachers to be the extension of myself and my husband to provide consistent opportunities to stimulate 3D’s senses through various means including music and play. This is something a working mom cannot do on a daily basis to help her child's cognitive, physical, social and emotional development.
We decided to enroll 3D, who was then one-year-old and three months, in Musikgarten. After several classes, we noticed that shy 3D became friendlier towards guests, he further enjoyed his dad’s music with much awe, he became more expressive (although we couldn’t understand a thing, I wished we had a subtitle machine), he looked forward to washing his hands (accompanied by the song, “hands-a-washing…”) and he learned to enthusiastically help pack away his toys (while we sang “pack away, pack away your toys….”). He consistently understood simple instructions as well. See video here and here. My thought at that time: Konti na lang, mauutusan na siyang bumili ng suka sa tindahan. Chos! And more importantly, 3D was enjoying and having a great time in school!
So from Saturday classes for Family Music for Toddlers, we decided to continue with the Toddler Playgroup class, which was around two hours, thrice a week.
The kids' development gets recognized!
After more than a year in the Toddler Playgroup, 3D joined other kids in the Moving Up and Recognition ceremony on March 18, 2016. I can say that enrolling 3D in Musikgarten is one of our best decisions as husband and wife! Thank you Teacher Nikki, Teacher Florence, Teacher Pia and the rest of the Musikgarten team. I appreciate how you “follow and listen to my child” and see how he responds. Most especially, I love how you let my child explore to learn, through movement, music, arts and playing. You are human blessings to a working mom like me! I’ll see you in the next summer class!
And to our fellow parents, a big congratulations and pat on the back! It was great to meet you all. 3D will surely miss your energy-filled and friendly kids. A special mention to Neo’s parents - thank you for bringing up a very friendly, cheerful and happy child. His laughter is infectious. He is 3D’s first best friend in school.
We may not remember all the parents’ names, but we do hope to cross paths with you again. And as a simple token, we’re sharing these photos from last Friday.
P.S. Thanks for the photos, hubby Leo!
Lira a.k.a. Ethel
