To school or not to school

I had an interesting discussion with my friends today. It was about formal schooling, and how we felt about it. I am glad that the discussion is still theoretical for me - it will be a few years before N is of school going age.

I'm one of those - topper through school type of person. The one who knew all the right answers to the questions the teachers asked. The one who got the highest marks, and the best grades. And today, I am a big sceptic of the formal school system.

I guess the question is: What does formal schooling contribute to a child's development? Does it help him or her somehow be better equipped for the world?

I would argue not. The biggest problem I have with school system is this: It leads kids to believe that the world is black and white, that everything has a right answer and just knowing that right answer is the key to everything. How deceitful that is!! Instead of teaching our kids good judgement, values and developing their individual personality, we teach them facts. Facts that we tell them are irrefutable..

Is that what I want N to learn? I think not.. to be continued..

The first tooth has arrived

What excitement - unfortunate that appapappa is away on a business trip.
I was trying to extract yet another bit of god knows what from N's mouth - when I felt something sharp and jagged against my finger. And what do I find? A little tooth. I called up appapappa to share the news - he did not believe me. How can I make the discovery after all??

So my baby will not be chewing with her gums the rest of her life, unlike what her parents had suspected!!

I have to say though not having teeth has not deterred N a bit from chewing her way through every kind of food - pizza, toast, idlis.. you name it. Today she pilfered a parle-G biscuit from a biscuit jar when nobody was looking. A regular little thief she is becoming :-)

Here's a picture of her eating pieces of bananas all by herself.

Look who's getting bratty

N trying to brush her non-existent teeth..

N clambers up the stairs

I know this one calls for a pic - I'm such an idiot. N actually started going up the stairs today, encouraged by Appapappa. He left her at the bottom of the stairs, I was the bait at the top, and then we both watched as she scrambled over one step and then the other. Oh god, now I've got to watch the stairs too!! I'm such a paranoid Mom, I think secretly. Every time N does something new - i enjoy it, and at the same time I am thinking, now that she has learnt this new thing it can harm her in so and so way and i have to watch out more etc. etc.

A colleague in office, father of two, commented today - your worries for your kids never go away. They just change. How true.

Here's to a lifetime of it.

In fond memory of Eating Out

Appapappa and I - hopefully waiting outside the Italian restaurant to get a table. Holding our breath that N will be quiet for maybe half hour while we can sneak in dinner.

N squeals, kicks, screams. The waiter trying to seat us politely inform us that the table would take another 10 minutes. I have visions of N squealing at the table, us getting funny glances from everybody in the restaurant. We beat a hasty retreat.

To another restaurant across the parking lot - an Indian restaurant where I have seen bawling kids in the past. At least there would be other parents so the glares can be divided among all of us.

N still squeals, kicks and screams. A half eaten dosa and barely touched plate of Pongal - and we are ready to pack up and leave.

I vow never again!!But I know I will be back to try once more - who knows, we may have a lucky day.

When N is unwell

N has been unwell for 10 days now. Started with a bad cough and throwing up. Appapappa was paranoid, but me the pragmatic said - it must be the phlegm thats causing her to throw up. Proven wrong! She has the stomach flu - runny bowel movement,and vomiting. Nothing much to do but wait it out seems to be the advice. Its easier said than done. Poor N seems quite tired - I am trying to keep feeding her to keep up her strength and to prevent any dehydration.

Last week was very tough for all of us. Since N could not go to daycare, I was taking care of her at home. She wanted to be held - so here I was,trying to balance her on my hip, and calling in to conference calls in office.I can tell you I did not enjoy it one bit.

It sure is tough taking care of a little baby- when she is unwell, its even harder. On days like this, I wish I had some help around the house.

Today Appapappa is unwell too. He fears he may also have got the bug.I hope not!!

N in her new knitted sweaters

Isn't she lucky? Her grandmom sent her lovely sets of sweaters - socks - hats.. she's so cute in them. Here's a photo of her in the white set ( Grandma made it from wool she bought here in the US).