Toda I met with a new friend, Sara, who gave me the low-down on the preschools in the neighborhood. The issue of preschool has been a little stressful for me. Certainly, she doesn't have to go to school, but she did in Washington DC and she loved it! I think it would be great to have her go here and meet new friends, etc. Before we left DC, I emailed the two popular choices among the Consulate families here in Jerusalem - The Jerusalem American International School (JAIS) and the YMCA. Both were full. I learned this about 4-6 weeks before we moved here and I had so many other things to think about so I just ignored the issue. I was definitely disappointed to learn that I was going to have to deal with applications, waiting lists, etc here as well.
When I got here, most of the families at the consulate send there kids to JAIS. Some send them to the YMCA but I haven't met anyone who sends their kids outside of these two options. Because they were both full the last time I checked, I started to look elsewhere. I've met a few Israelis outside of the consulate circle and because I'm meeting them at a park or at the pool with their kids, they usually have an opinion on schools, etc. Today, I met Sara who was a wonderful resource. She used to be a preschool teacher in the states and moved here a year ago. She also has a 3yo and gave me a wonderful local preschool that is just around the corner. She described it to me and it sounds awesome.
The tough part of the day was when I heard from both JAIS and this other preschool within an hour of each other. Both schools were offering Julia their last spot. Both need an answer by tomorrow. I'm visiting the school around the corner tomorrow morning but JAIS is under construction with two new wings being added to the school. I don't know what to do. Do I go with the school that all families at the consulate send their kids to or do I branch out on my own and be bold?
The day got even more stressful when I realized I have 3 weeks to potty train my daughter. She has to be potty trained before school starts. There is a deep pit in my stomach.
Julia knows what to do but just doesn't feel like it. I've tried everything. Singing and reading on the potty. Potty books. Potty candy. Dora the Explorer panties. Princess panties. You name it. I'm up for suggestions. We'll see how the next few days go. We tried "big girl panties" after nap today (and after I'd gotten the phone calls). All accidents - no good potty time. Score: Julia 4 Me 0
I haven't given up. Tomorrow is another day. Maybe she will start to care a little about having accidents. I don't like getting all stressed but school is starting soon and I know she will love it if we can get her there. I'll keep you posted.
I say branch out and try the new one. It is close, there will be neighborhood children in the school, and you will meet many new people other than US posted people. In fact I see, if the school checks out, only advantages and no disadvantages. Draw a line down that paper and do what you do so well!
ReplyDeleteI think Julia is like her cousin. If she doesn't want to do something, you're not going to be able to force her to do it. You're only going to end up completely frustrated yourself. I'm actually talking to myself here, since Joe says this every day to me. Peaks and valleys of success in this arena at our house. I'd say today was more of a valley day, too, for us. Hang in there. At least know you're not alone in it. I'm washing those undies right there with you. Well, probably 8 hours later, but you get the idea.
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