Leier Boys: Prerequisites for Pre-Kindergarten

Staying home with Joseph over the last few years has been the most rewarding job and the most challenging job I have ever had. I have been able to see myself and my family at their best and their worst and learn how to react accordingly. I have even been able to add a few more job descriptions to my resume:

Chauffeur, Professional Butt-Wiper, Bug Killer, and Hero.

I can make a list of pros/cons to being a working mom and also to being a stay-at-home mom. Regardless of which list is longer than the other, at the end of the day, Greg and I still stand behind our decision for me to “accept” this job three years ago.

So, as the time for Joseph to enter Pre-K approaches and my Full-Time job of being his Personal Assistant decreases in hours, Greg and I tackled a few tasks that are prerequisites for Pre-K.

The first prerequisite is Potty-Training.

Leaning on past experience with training Jacob meant absolutely nothing.

Different kid means different tactics.

Failed Tactics:

Bought new big-boy underwear (his choice)
Purchased toilet insert and new training potty (his choice)
Rewarded with candy
Partnered brothers together during trips to potty
Paid big brother to help train little brother
Paid anyone who used the potty
Recited novenas and lit holy candles in church
Encouraged urinating outside on trees/in grass
Enticed with attendance to Big-Boy School
Drank alcohol while letting subject do whatever he wanted to do.

After much money lost with purchases and bribery, I had to go to the Pre-School to complete paperwork for Joseph. While I thought the administrator was chiding me about Joseph wearing a diaper, I think it was divine intervention.

“You know he has to be potty-trained before he comes here in September?”

“I got it…thanks.”

Then she walked him through the classrooms, spoke about how cool it is to go to school there, and allowed him to play on the outdoor playground. Once she got his agreement that the place was indeed a gem, she told him that he would have to use the potty first. There may have been angels signing in the background after she said that because that is “all” it took. Now, whenever Joseph sees her walking into church or relaxing by a public pool, he must inform her of his potty habits and activities.

Successful Tactic:

Teacher at school giving lecture on potty use.

The second prerequisite is Independence.

If only this second prerequisite was as easy as the first! Yes, “easy.” Greg and I put both boys in Soccer Camp. Since the campers are grouped according to age, Joseph and Jacob would enjoy spending time with folks their own age. Who wouldn’t love that?!

During the five days of soccer camp, Joseph had a hard time learning a few lessons:

Listening to another authority figure, aside from Mom and Dad.
When Coach Tabby would announce it was time to play, Joseph preferred sitting in the shade, drinking and eating. Or, when everyone was on the field playing, Joseph decided it was time to eat and ran to get his snack or water bottle.

Controlling emotions. When the coach would explain to Joseph that the ball was to be kicked with the feet and not thrown with his hands, Joe took off his jersey and threw it at the coach. Then stormed off the field to look for his mother.

Competing vs Sharing. When the other players are kicking the soccer ball, in an attempt to play a game, Joe argued with the players that they are not sharing or being kind.

Grouping according to age. Joe didn’t enjoy playing with the Tiny Tots team. If anyone asked him about his fellow teammates, he said he didn’t like them because they don’t share. Furthermore, once he figured out where Jacob’s team was, he tried to run across the field to play on his team.