Design in Daycare: A Tribute
Today I dropped Eloïse off at her new preschool. I put on a brave smile, as if my heart wasn't stuck in my throat. Armed this time with pull-ups and a bento box, Eloïse is transitioning into the next level of her pint-sized education. It's a far cry from the first time I took her to school. Then, she was only four months old, barely exposed to a bottle, and full of wide-eyed wonderment. I remember carefully selecting her first-day-of-school outfit (some things don't change) and crying when I picked her up and realized she didn't smell the same. Now two and a half, Eloïse can speak in full sentences, feed herself with only some spilling, and make a mean pan of "beg-ta-bows" in her play kitchen. She loves to read and tells us she looks like Curious George. She also tries to "cheers" any two similar items—cups, spoons, chicken, lovies. Eloïse's skill in running and throwing leaves much to be desired, but I have to admit, it makes me smile every time. At her new preschool, Eloïse will play her way through the next stages of growth, gaining new skills in coloring, imaginative play, and (oh please I hope) using the potty. Despite my apprehension, I know it's going to be an exciting phase.
No matter how kind the faces or assuring their words, the first time you leave your child with a new caregiver is challenging. What if she cries all day? Will she wonder if I have abandoned her? Will she be safe, happy, loved? While it is certainly reasonable (and quite comforting) to believe that no one can replace your care as a parent, we have been truly fortunate to have an incredible group of partners in our first daycare experience. Moving on to the next stage has been a tearful reminder of just how incredible Kashaunda, Jacque, Cindy, Brittney, and Patty have been.
These women brought new vocabulary into our home—"She's a juicy baby!" (meaning covered in drool) and "Give me some lovins!" (a request for cuddling), to name a few—and are the reason Eloïse says "please" and "thank you," sits contentedly at the table while she eats, and knows how to use a spoon. This week, as we struggled together with potty training, I was reminded of just how much Eloïse has learned at her daycare. In these incredibly formative years, teaching my daughter the basics of how to live politely was not a burden I had to bear alone. When people compliment Eloïse's behavior, though I would love to credit my own parenting or good genetics, I am humbled to know that she would not be quite the same without the influence of her teachers.
This morning, as Phil and I prayed for Eloïse's first day of school, I was reminded of God's good providence in guiding our family the way He does. These last two years in daycare were no mistake. God uniquely used Eloïse's caregivers to mature her in ways that she wouldn't have developed at home. And though in many families, mom and dad are the majority influence, His plan for our family involved Kashaunda, Jacque, Cindy, Brittney, and Patty, too.
It's hard to imagine that Eloïse's next experience could be as lovely as the one preceding it, but God has shown himself so gracious to our family thus far—why should I expect anything different?
To Eloïse's Daycare Teachers:
Ladies, you will forever be a part of our family. Your beautiful features are imprinted on my darling Eloise, and although someday she will no longer exclaim "Rosita!" when pointing to anything pink, I hope she will always know how deeply you cared for her. I believe that it is with purpose that you were a part of her young life, and I have such a deep respect for all that you did you love her, train her, and enrich her days. Thank you for opening your hearts to Eloïse and treating her like one of your own. It is a pleasure to share Anderson with you now, too.