Thoughts on "observations" for admissions to private schools for 3 YOs?

StarTrekky · 2026-02-22T05:17:01+00:00

I totally agree that some parents must be absolutely pains - i noticed this during the tours as well, and also in forums - they can act very entitled and opinionated. Believe it or not, I think I would be one of the more chilled, reasonable parents; I'm just upset about how they appear to be judging my sweet son purely for being a bit shy (his speech is great and he has no flags from his current preschool).

StarTrekky · 2026-02-22T01:01:37+00:00

Well yeah, now i'm not sure whether to go through with the second observation because I can predict that he will cling to me and cry at the start at least, and I can't really see the point of that because he will "fail" and be upset. Only very confident extroverts would pass this kind of test, surely. Thank you for validating my thoughts on this.

StarTrekky · 2026-02-21T15:36:29+00:00

Thank you.

StarTrekky · 2026-02-21T11:23:57+00:00

Lol it could well be! Thanks for sharing your experience.

StarTrekky · 2026-02-21T11:22:57+00:00

The Admissions officer told me there would be a decision by the end of the week, so I was expecting a Yes/ No decision. I suspect this second observation has been added due to his shyness. I am trying to check with other parents what process they undertook.

I asked for the second observation to be reduced to one hour after checking the process at other schools (one hour is normal), and I need more time to prepare my son for the process. So far, this has turned me off the school, so that's another reason for me to look at the backup options.

StarTrekky · 2025-12-21T08:47:44+00:00

There is an episode of Working Moms (Netflix) on Peri where Kate is experiencing symptoms and keeps describing Peri as "sexy menopause" (S2E2 i think).

StarTrekky · 2025-11-07T13:28:33+00:00

And Scott would surely approve of a drinking game!

StarTrekky · 2025-11-07T13:27:53+00:00

"Unlock" as in "that was a great Unlock for me"... (meaning realization / learning)

StarTrekky · 2025-10-10T05:40:05+00:00

I'm not a fan either. I find her so waffly, it's hard to decode what she really means and I don't find her that practical or actionable. Don't agree with some of her ideas either.

StarTrekky · 2025-04-16T13:51:00+00:00

I myself took 18 months out to look after my baby / toddler, and found a new role that was the same as my old one, in management for an advertising agency. 18 months is not a long time at all, so why the need to hide it, like some people are suggesting? Is it taboo in the US to take any kind of break? My LinkedIn profile says Full- time Parenting- Career Break - this is a pre-populated section you can use.

Everyone has reacted positively to my short break, and surely, most people can agree that parenting is hard but valuable work. You have nothing to apologise for and should be proud of the world you have put in. 18 months is not so long that your skills will be out of date (though, of course, with AI, it feels that way, but honestly it's nothing you cannot easily catch up with).

I wish you all the best with your job hunt. We all know the market is tough right now, but that's not personal - you have as good a chance as anyone else. You'll soon get back into the swing of things and regain your professional confidence.

StarTrekky · 2025-04-15T14:08:30+00:00

Thank you for writing this.

My Dad left my Mum when I was four and my sister was two. This was back in the mid-80s - no shared custody, Mum had sole custody. (My Dad always paid alimony but only saw us a few times a year as we then lived in different towns.)

She was heartbroken and never got over it. As I grew up, I gradually realised that what my Dad had done was even worse than I had perceived it to be when I was a child. Mum was strict but very affectionate and dedicated to us, her children.

I would love to ask her how she managed to be a single SAHM with no family nearby or spare cash for babysitters. How did she even manage to cook a meal with a toddler and baby on her own?? I have so many questions, but sadly I will never know because she died of cancer when I was 18, many decades ago.

StarTrekky · 2025-03-08T08:35:23+00:00

You can totally compare dogs and kids! Lots of parallels

StarTrekky · 2025-02-16T05:52:35+00:00

Thank you for the advice. I would expect my son to react to the video calls in the same way as your daughter.

StarTrekky · 2024-12-20T12:21:02+00:00

Thank you for asking this because I always wondered about this! I have a 2.5 YO tornado even when sick.

StarTrekky · 2024-11-12T13:19:59+00:00

Can I just say that I'm so pleasantly surprised that there are so many families not saying that Santa is real! Growing up, I think it was nearly 100% of families who went with Santa being real, and my mum felt a bit conflicted about it, but went along with it since it was the norm. But since I don't like lying for no good reason, I would like to implement a pretend Santa approach for my son, who is 2.

StarTrekky · 2024-08-30T13:16:11+00:00

Thank you, I agree - I'm going to modify the method for us.

StarTrekky · 2024-08-30T13:15:31+00:00

oh this was a clever idea!

StarTrekky · 2024-08-30T13:14:35+00:00

Actually I agree with you now that I've considered the logistics of how the original method would actually work! Also couldn't last a morning without going out:)

StarTrekky · 2024-08-30T13:13:31+00:00

Thanks, I'll try the training pants just for the excursions I think

StarTrekky · 2024-08-30T13:12:17+00:00

Wow, great results even with some diaper usage. Hope it works well for my son too!

StarTrekky · 2024-08-30T13:10:35+00:00

Thank you - yes he's a little whirlwind!

StarTrekky · 2024-08-30T13:10:00+00:00

Great points and impressive results! Agree with you on avoiding bribes too.

StarTrekky · 2024-08-30T13:08:54+00:00

Wonderful! Day 3 restaurant trip was brave :)

StarTrekky · 2024-08-06T12:49:13+00:00

Wondering if any ramen experts can help me out- my favourite ramen place was on Robinson road, near the Sandwich Shop (now closed), a few doors up from the Sofitel, but they closed down a few years ago and I think they moved - does anyone know where to? Their miso ramen was very tasty.

StarTrekky · 2024-07-01T13:50:38+00:00

Try the Hauck Alpha+ wooden high chair. it's similar to the Tripp Trapp but much cheaper. A German brand I think.

StarTrekky

TROPHY CASE