Meet Momo & her Mommy!!

Zozo and Momo

Hard to forget 2-year-old Momo's first day visiting our Master Tree lead class. She quickly let go of her mother's hand and giggled her way right into the middle of the of our kids and their play time with blocks. 'Who are you?', I remember asking. 'I'm Momo!' 

Though Momo's quick initial adjustment to pre-school isn't unique, it is largely uncommon, especially here in China where there is so much coddling and protectionism by well-intended grandparents. There seems to be a debt that the elderly generation at large is attempting to make up for which dates back to their time as parents back when long work days impeded a healthier bond and balance of time as a family. Momo's family is lucky in this way for their current family arrangement has allowed Momo, up unto this point, to grow up under her mother's immediate care. But as the Chinese philosophy of the Yin Yang suggests, in all whiteness there is a speck of black. Quickly it became clear to that the one to suffer most through this transitional period into kindergarten would not be Momo but instead her Mommy: Tracy!! 

Momo, her Auntie and Mom: Tracy

Upon completing our 3-month lead class, right before running off to the hills for Spring Festival we had a chance to sit down for some tea with Tracy and asked her to reflect back on the changes she went through, as a Mom, during her daughter's first months staying away most of the day from home, 

"The greatest difficult I have had to overcome, of course, has been learning to be apart from Momo! While Momo is learning, so am I. While she cries in school, I cry in my heart! 2-year-old Momo, who's always been there for me...was all alone in a strange environment. I was so worried those first days." 

Tracy has been quite gracious all along in recognizing the ongoing support she has received upon joining the MT family, 

"...separation is one of life's first lessons! Each day, I whispered soft prayers hoping for her to adapt quickly. This process was difficult for both of us. I needed to fully trust MT. Seriously, if it wasn't for MT, and Carl and Glow's both firm and warm guidance, I certainly would not have allowed her to start kindergarten at such a young age."

Undoubtedly, Tracy's apprehension's about Momo being ready for kindergarten heightened as Momo underwent a relapse of sorts upon catching on to the fact that kindergarten equating an entire day without her mom. What 2-year-old gets excited about being away from mom?

After the relapse, "It took a lot of effort to get Momo to learn to be independent--to accept MT subconsciously. Glow taught me how to guide Momo and enlightened me to the wonders of a well-timed 'time out'".

About 4 weeks into the program we had a major breakthrough upon Tracy adhering to our advice to allow Momo to participate in our Yule Sleepover activity. Time and time again we have seen how moments like these are of an incredible bonding quality. Tricky no doubt for the kids but always far more so for the parents! But the results are always so evident. The next day for pick up there is a shared joy of, parents and kids, seeing each other again. Then in the weeks to come, parents and the school staff begin to see how much the children have changed as they take on a brand new manifestation of independence. After all, sleeping away from those you have slept with for every single night since being born is no small thing!

Year book signing.  

Step by step we continued working closely with Momo, Tracy and their family; making sure that this important adjustment was accompanied by ample tender loving care, creativity and counsel. 

Great job Momo!! But an even greater high-five to you Tracy! Thanks for your trust in Master Tree Kindergarten!

"You only lose what you hold onto."~Buddha