The Public vs Private Self

Remember that Saturday morning class that I told you about?  I wasn't feeling it? It didn't seem like a good match?  Well, after 3 weeks in, I really love this class, and think it's a perfect fit!

The separating for 1 hour each class has been wonderful.  T and I have been able to sit with other parents and really discuss parenting topics.  I've gotten wonderful ideas on how to deal with certain situations, and my kids have really taken to being on their own for one hour.  It's been great for their development.  Having a nanny in our home has really reduced the amount if interactions Nur and TT have with other kids, and it's been fun to see how they are in public versus at home.

At home, Nur is a very easy going child.  He loves to be right near Mama, either on my lap, or right next to me.  He has a great sense of humor, and is always laughing at his little sis.  He also loves to play independently, and can often be found playing with his cars and trucks, and making vehicle noises. Even when Nur plays independently, he likes to do it around other people. 

At home, TT is very much the boss.  She takes what she wants, even if her big bro happens to be playing with it.  She is very confident and also likes to be right near Mama.  Sometimes she wants to be alone for a bit, and will sit in her room by herself, and flip through books.  She loves to give Nur a lot of hugs.  She also loves to hug Mama and Baba, her babies, her animals, the Christmas Tree, etc.

At school on Saturday, while the parents were in one room, and the kids were in another, I snuck out of the parent discussion, and peaked through the glass window at the kids playing.  They had no idea I was there, and I just watched. 

TT was with 2 other kids, both older, and the teacher.  The teacher was reading them a book, and TT kept hugging her.  TT was then being led around the room by an older boy (He is 3 I believe) and they were holding hands and she looked so proud.

Nur was standing in the corner, alone, playing with a play kitchen.  There wasn't another child within 10 feet of Nur.  His back was to me, but I could see he was playing, figuring things out.

Then the kids started to line up at the door because they were going to go play in the gym.  TT was the first in line.  Nur was last in line. 

My first reaction was that I was a little sad for Nur.  He was all alone.  I hope he feels comfortable with other kids.  I hope I happened to just catch 2 minutes of the entire hour where he wanted a break from the other kids.  I know how comfortable TT has become around people, and I hope she'll always bring her brother with her, until he is more comfortable.  They will most likely be in the same grade, and I always want them to look out for each other.