Potting Training, Weening, and First Awards

How important are memories to you? At certain times I go through pictures and look back over various events or remember things that have either made me laugh or cry. You know like the birth of your children, my divorce (that was a combination of laughter and tears), my grandchildren’s birth and things that your children have said or done. I came across these pictures and thought about my grandson’s special day.  It was so adorable, and remains one of my favorite memories.   

Reminiscing is a good thing don’t you think? I decided to revive one of my post from several years ago, because the memories are so near and dear to my heart. Here’s one of the fondest memories of my grandson: I attended the graduation and preschool ceremony at my grandson’s school last week-end. It was adorable. We decided to put him in nursery school last year, because he’s an only child and sharing was not a part of his repertoire. We thought it would be an excellent way for him to interact with other children and enhance his education. It was money well spent.





Here’s another thing that I will always remember. Have you ever been truly impressed by someone that you met? It doesn’t happen often for me, but Miss Joy the Director shown in the purple dress will always have a place in my heart too.  She became so emotional in her opening speech and she knew each song that the children performed. She truly adores them and it shows. There’s nothing like walking away and knowing that your child will truly be loved. Miss B., one of the teachers is assisting her.  Miss B. has a twin sister who is also a teach at the school, Miss T. 

Decisions can be difficult, but if you do your homework and research things it helps to put things into perspective. When we decided to put Xavier in nursery school, we did a thorough investigation. We read reviews, visited schools and talked to other parents before a decision was made. Maybe I’m strange but it gives me comfort knowing that the money being paid is not just going into someone’s pocket. I want to know that it’s used to enhance the education of the children. This school doesn’t have a problem demonstrating that education is their number 1 priority. Not only did they focus on helping the children with social skills, sharing, potty training, weening them and helping with a schedule nap time, they learned colors, numbers, the alphabet and even had homework assignments. A banquet room overlooking the beach was used for the graduation and ceremony, the Director presented each of the teachers with beautiful gifts, the entertainment from the children was delightful, and refreshments were served to all in attendance. I don’t know how it could ever be topped, I understand why the school has a 5 star rating. 


Think about one of your proudest moments with your child or children and how you felt. That is exactly how I felt watching my Sweetie Pie and all that he had accomplished in the year that he has attended. I was able to see why he had grown so much, the school definitely puts the focus on the children.  

As you can see in the second picture above, my grandson is not shy. He had no problem grabbing the microphone and he knew all the words to the songs. He also won the Potty Training Award. My big boy is wearing big boy pants now. Good by pampers and hello potty! 




He adores his daddy, so daddy was the recipient of his Big Boy Award. The students in the background are graduates from the Kindergarten class. My big boy moves up to the young 3 year old class in the fall. Another aspect of the school that I like is the fact that they have 2, 3, and 4 years; however, each age has two classes. They integrate the children into the young class and gradually prepare them to move with the more mature students within the year. 


If you’re considering nursery or preschool, I would highly recommend it. I believe my little Sweetie Pie has enjoyed the experience as much as we did. He looks forward to going to school each morning to see his friends and teacher. That in itself speaks volumes.

You may also like: 9 Benefits of Preschool 

10 Benefits of Preschool

benefits of preschool



Did you place your child in preschool or do you plan to?  Have you thought about the benefits?  I believe in early childhood education, and as a result Xavier went to preschool for 3 years before he started kindergarten.  It was money well spent, he learned skills that I believe are important for creating a strong foundation for entering kindergarten and beyond.



What he learned:  


  1. Social skills
  2. Field trips with classmates on a school bus
  3. Group participation
  4. Learning to do homework
  5. Making friends outside of family
  6. Playing well with others
  7. Daily naps without a fight or protest 
  8. Eating meals in a cafeteria style setting  
  9. Enhanced athletic skills
  10. Following directions from teachers

He’s 2 in the picture above; he’s 5 in the picture below.  How time flies.  Last year we sent him to the local recreational center for the summer so we could focus on his athletic skills.  He enjoyed his summer.  He took swimming lessons, learned basic football and basketball skills, and made new friends.

preschool activities

Research has shown that early childhood development is essential for our children.  It builds a strong foundation for success in later years and I believe it.  We have seen a payoff for both preschool and time spent at the recreational center for Xavier.  He’s reading, doing times table, writing sentences and excelling in sports.  He received an award for outstanding performance in football, and his team has made it to the championship in basketball this year.  Go Tarheels!  


early childhood development



Xavier benefited so much from preschool, we put Zarriah in as well.  She’s 2 here and loves school so much she looks forward to going every day.  Sometimes she goes on the week-end, lol.  She said her friends are there and she loves her teacher, Miss Sheila.  Look at this face, it’s 8:00 am in the morning.  She’s heading out to enjoy the day at school.  She knows her ABC’s, she can count to 10 and is learning to play well with others.  She understands Time Out and loves to read.  She has learned basic manners, excuse me, thank you and please.  When she’s ready for a nap, she says “Gaga I’m ready for bed.”  Amazing.  


We love the fact that she too will have already grasped going to school and doing homework.  She will understand the group setting concept when she enters kindergarten and her social skills will be developed.  I believe in investing in children, and there are just some things you can’t teach your at home.  Your thoughts on Preschool?