Works-For-Me Wednesday: Preschool Commute Question
September 2, 2008 by Kimberly · 7 Comments
Today, I have a question for you…
My dilemma involves Michael’s commute to preschool which begins tomorrow. My family lives in Harlem (in the 140s). Michael’s preschool is in midtown (the 40s). That’s almost a 100 block difference. By subway train, the commute is 45 minutes to an hour each way.
-If I come back home after dropping him off, my daily commute will be 3 to 4 hours. (Note that Michael’s class is only 2 and ½ hours – the irony isn’t lost on me. Obviously, I REALLY like this preschool or I would not be in this situation!)
-If I stay in the midtown area and wait around for the 2 and ½ hours, I have to figure out what to do with Sean. It just so happens that Michael’s preschool time coincides with Sean’s nap time. It’s not such an issue during the warmer/good weather days. I can walk Sean around/let him nap in the stroller (added bonus – natural workout!). The challenge is when it gets colder. So far, I have three thoughts:
1. Hang out at a local library
2. Hang out at the Time Warner Center
or
3. Hang out at a Starbucks (there has to be one nearby)
I do not really love any of those options though. What would you do??? Please leave your thoughts in the “Comments” section below or send me an email at kcoleman@mominthecity.com. Thanks!
(To help others with their dilemmas, visit Works-For-Me Wednesday.)
That is a tough one. I’m assuming this is 5 days a week – so you are going to need to plan out several places. You would soon tire of the same coffeehouse or the library if you went every day. I wish I could be of help. You may love the preschool, but you may really want to consider some place closer to your home. A whole year of finding something to do for 2.5 hours each day might be a bigger drain on you than the preschool is worth.
My money is on Starbucks (and most of it is IN Startucks. I would never tire of the music, people watching and reading. And as you said, it could become a routine where baby would nap in the stroller and be comforted by the same place everyday.
I would change it up as much as possible. You’re going to get tired of Starbucks every day. Aren’t there some museums in that area? Also, any possibility there are other families in your area that go to that preschool? You could take turns taking and picking up the kids so you don’t have to go every day.
From what I’ve heard about getting a good preschool in New York, my money is on you Not changing your son’s placement any time soon. So in trying to find a solution for Sean’s naps…
I live in the Twin Cities (Minnesota); downtown has skyways, connecting the buildings to each other so you can virtually walk everywhere without going outside. Any chance you have those? You could wear work out clothes and do a stroller mom thing. Sean might sleep in a constantly moving stroller.
Consider changing Sean’s nap time. We’re having to do that as well, so I feel your pain, but we’re operating under the good of the many philosophy, lol.
Are there any churches nearby that you could volunteer at? They might be willing to let Sean play in the nursery for no charge if you can do some administrative work in their offices.
Good luck and God bless! ~Whitney
That is a toughie!
Remember, toddlers change very quickly, so perhaps his naptime will move later as well, making it to where he can nap on the ride home. However, a sleeping baby is actually better for you!!
I agree with mixing it up a bit each day, and think you should take advantage of walking (for you) while it’s warm.
That is tough Kim! You may like the preschool, but are you willing to do this for a whole year?
it’s great quality time for Sean and you though. I agree to mix it up. And there’s so much to do in mid-town manhattan. Good luck sweetie, I will be praying that it works out the best for each of you!
Thinking about you! By the way, how was Michael’s first day?
Thanks so much for the advice everyone!
We decided to pay to extend Michael’s 2 and 1/2 hours of universal pre-k by 1 hour each day so that he can have more time to enjoy his “new best friends” and I’ll have time to bring Sean home for his nap. (Last week, I realized that Sean is too social/observant/”nosy” to nap in a public place!) The travel is definitely going to be a challenge, but I’ve accepted it..”It is what it is!”