Decisions of an American mother in Africa
What do we do about preschool for my 2 year old? He is still in a in diaper which is a bit of an issue. Most other women here with our company would not have their children in something that early because their focus would be totally on their home. However my son wants and needs interaction with other children more than I am able to visit others, especially since having his sister. I also know when I begin teaching in the schools again; my time will be even more limited. So how do I get my son what he needs? I have checked out some preschools here and find myself in a bit of a predicament. Some are inexpensive but full, so that does no good. I do not want to look like I have money to throw around. I also am not looking for great teaching as much as socialization for my son, because I feel he is learning a lot at home. Some are more expensive but have availability and will change his diapers. Others that are farther away are better, but it makes it not so convenient and I don’t know how much those are. So what do I do? For those in the states, how much you ask are these preschools? The one I wanted at first that is full is roughly 20 dollars for signing up and 14 dollars a month. The one that is more expensive and has a class just for William’s age is 40 dollars up front and 30 dollars a month. I can hear the gasps already all the way from here. Decisions, decisions!!
What do I do to best care for my newborn daughter? To preface his section, I must remind you that to tell someone what they should do for their child is to show concern. That said, I got instructed by an older lady in the proper way to hold my child when breastfeeding yesterday. I did it the way she said rather than arguing, but I felt like I was going to drop Mariama the whole time. She asked if I was scared to nurse. I said no, when the real thing is I am nervous about doing it in front of them because I do get instructions. To reassure everyone that heard my story from the village, I did take this better than the 13 year old last year telling me what my child needed. Here they shave the babies head, though I am not sure of the reasoning for this. I have already told some neighbors that we will not be doing that. I just figure she looks cute the way she is. So after the breastfeeding lesson, the daughters of his lady were telling me I needed to pencil in eyebrows for her. Now this was something new to hear, but once again Mariama is cute the way she is. Plus it is easier to pencil in for them because they can use a black pencil. Have you ever tried to match eyebrow color? Have you tried for a light newborn? Have you tried looking for one in
1 comment:
Well, Lisa, I finally got to your blog site after a couple of weeks away, and really loved reading the updates. Motherhood is a real adventure there! I know that you're doing a wonderful job of it - even if you don't realize that you are. I'm with you - no head shaving or eyebrow pencils should be necessary for a baby!!
Love you,
DeLynn
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