“I am the entertainer
And I know you where to stand
Another serenader
And another long-haired band
Today I am your champion
I may have won your hearts
But I know the game, you’ll forget my name
And I won’t be here in another year
If I don’t stay on the charts.” (Billy Joel, The Entertainer)
Most on here know, that out of my two children, Lily is my entertainer, my comedian of sorts.
In our home, she has one volume and that is loud.
She is in essence comfortable with us and never seems to let us down as far as the minute, day, hour, week, month or even year.
Like how she decided to pretend to be a dog here or how she tried teased me about bathing suits during a polar vortex, here!
Recently, Lily had her pre-school end of the year show (the school year here in NY isn’t over by far with pretty much another month still left on the calendar, but the show definitely proves the year is indeed winding down).
We went the weekend before and picked out her costume. The show’s theme was the circus and Lily was one of the tight rope walkers, which had to wear a tutu and dress like a ballerina. I took her specially just the two of us to the Disney store, where I had a $50 rewards certificate to look at the pink princess tutus.
Excited was an understatement for my little princess. She picked out this adorable pink tutu with Belle and Rapunzel on it (with two princesses, yes I am versed in Disney Princesses quite well!).
As soon as we got home, she made me help her try it on and couldn’t wait for the show to wear it.
The day of the show was one of the rainiest days we have had, but that didn’t stop her from wearing her tutu with pride, as well as the show from going on.
What did surprise me is how shy Lily is her little classroom setting.
I am not trying to put anyone down here, but I would think by the end of the year, her teachers would have her out of her shell, especially the fact that she has never been shy around us. I know she is comfortable around us, but still once she usually gets to know someone timid or meek she truly isn’t, but still almost 9 months in this class and she definitely wasn’t her usual, comfortable Lily at ease with her teachers or classmates.
Maybe it was the fact that there was a lot of people there. Don’t get me wrong she did her performance, but I know my child and she was definitely much more quiet and reserved then she ever has been.
There were a few other things I was taken aback by like how there was quite a few songs to be introduced and how only the same two classmates were picked to indeed introduce them to the crowd. I guess her teachers didn’t feel she or other kids would be comfortable speaking up.
Now I know I might sound like an over protective mom here and might also be a bit biased. Trust me, it is possible and won’t deny that in the least, but I did teach int he past and even was responsible for a pre-school show in the summertime (my summer teaching job before having my own children).
During this show, I had to choreograph, I always made sure all my kids had a part and no child had more of a part then another.
So, I couldn’t help, but think that more could have been done not only for my daughter, but all the kids in her class and not just include the same two kids each time.
I do respect the teacher’s decision though and yet can’t help, but be happy that I have recently registered Lily in a different pre-school for her second and final year of pre-school, because I am truly hoping to see her come out of shell more in school in the right setting as far as her personality goes.
Again, just my feelings as a mom, I suppose, but still don’t get me wrong I very much enjoyed the show and was so proud of Lily for her part in it, as well as just the fact that she has made in through her first year of pre-school learning so much and can pretty much count to twenty, knows all her letters, know how to cut and even writes her name now.
And now I thought, I would leave you with a bit of a photo bomb from Lily’s pre-school circus show. Most of these pictures have been edited and have tried to not include the faces of any kids or others that I didn’t have permission to do so. So, most are of Lily, My Entertainer, in different positions and such. But still couldn’t help, but want to share as a proud mama would.
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massholemommy says
My six year old acts differently in school and I think it's te group setting. Last year in kindergarten, they had open house night, where the kids could give their parents a tour of the school and as my little guy was talking to me & chris, his teacher said that was the most he had ever heard him talk – in the 2 months that school had already been going lol.
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Janine Huldie says
I think you may be onto something and definitely interesting to say the least to see them in a different environment like school.
ginnymarie says
As a preschool teacher, I can definitely tell you that the kids act differently when all the parents are there and there is a change in the routine! I have many students who are completely comfortable when it is just our class and we follow our routine, and then on the day of a "show", they are shy all of a sudden. I'm sure you are making the right choice for her second year of preschool, and she is still little and will have plenty of time to shine!
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Janine Huldie says
Christa, I have no doubt that kids (Especially my own) act differently at school. I felt bad saying a bit about her teachers here today. Don't get me wrong, they are lovely people, but having taught pre-school myself I just felt in the end I would like Lily to be more like herself (even if it can't be to the degree she is with us). So fingers crossed for next year now for sure 🙂
ginnymarie says
In the end, you are doing the best thing for Lily and are a good mom! I know you don't like to criticize others; you are too nice of a person! 😀
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Janine Huldie says
Christa, thank you for saying that and seriously when I had to write this I kept thinking I hate to sound critical and know that it isn’t easy to be a teacher let alone pre-school teach, but couldn’t help feeling the way I felt I suppose.
ashleyinnc says
I think it is absolutely ridiculous that they would pick the same kids over and over again…I kind of remember that Abby's old preschool teachers kind of did that, and it really bothered me. Your sweet girl could not look MORE adorable!!! LOVE those pictures!-Ashley
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Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks Ashley. I truly felt bad saying what I said here, but I did feel annoyed while sitting there and seeing that it was the same two kids over and over. I know Lily and she is very outgoing once she is comfortable somewhere, so it made me question how comfortable indeed she has been this whole year. Hoping with all my motherly instincts that my decision for next year will be a better fit now.
realhousewife says
How adorable she looks in her little tutu!
It's a shame they didn't spread out the speaking parts too, I think. All the kids should have equal show time – and to me, I'd be more impressed to see all the kids have a part to speak or play. Hopefully next year they will have more time to prepare, huh?
Janine Huldie says
Kelly, I kept thinking it is just because I am her mother that I am feeling like this, but then I remembered being a teacher and trying always to give all my students equal participation and play in all things (including shows). SO, I guess that just irked me a bit. And of course I couldn't help, but be honest here in my thoughts.
Billybuc says
Written like a true mother. 🙂 The pictures are adorable. Thanks for sharing them with us, and have a great Monday.
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks Bill and I really loved getting to see Lily in action on that day. Definitely a proud mommy day for sure! Happy Monday once again 🙂
kathyradigan says
Well first, she looks adorable!! I have a special fondness for preschool and kindergarten shows, they are just way too cute. Personally I think those shows can be a hard way to determine how a class is going or run. Getting a group of adults to perform can be hard enough, but when you are dealing with little ones there is so much stimulation and you never know what is going t happen. I'm glad she had fun!! xoxo
Janine Huldie says
So true and must tell you I tried to sit down in one seat and had someone's grandfather tell me he was saving 4 seats for his daughter and her family. Yeah, adults can definitely ruin the experience, too and couldn't agree more. But yes, overall, it was a good day and just so glad for small favors 🙂
dianeroark says
Janine,
Absolutely precious! I love seeing her in her tutu! From having a shy kid or two, I will tell you this is always an issue. They will get overlooked simply because they are not as outgoing and LOUD as some kids.
Have a great day!
Diane Roark
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks Diane and having been a teacher I just thought they could have tried will all the kids. Trust me I saw how shy Lily was acting and can understand if it was an issue, but they did work with another little girl, who is even more shy then Lily. So not sure, but guess it was just something that was sticking in my craw a bit. wishing you a great day, too.
theseanamethod says
Yes, I remember having similar thoughts when I attended these shows. Your daughter is just adorable. Aren't many Mother's Day presents better than that sweet little face in a sea of pink:)
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Janine Huldie says
Seana, I couldn't agree more and the sea of pink definitely made me smile!! 🙂
tiffani says
Lily looks beyond adorable in her costume. You know Trinity was so quiet in preschool they were concerned she had a speech problem. Trinity is my child who never stops talking so I couldn't believe she was silent at school all the time. We finally took a video of her talking non stop at home and showed her teachers. They were shocked. I guess our kids are very different when they are away from us. xoxo
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Janine Huldie says
Tiffani, thank you for telling me this about Trinity, because I know from reading your blog, she is a very smart and outgoing young girl. So, that totally made me feel more then a bit better. Hugs 🙂 xoxo!!
vitatrain4life says
I don't have much experience with this, except for when I was in school, but it seems odd that the same two girls would get picked!? I would think you want the kids who DON'T want to talk to do it so they can learn from it – see that they CAN do it – and be proud. Overall, it sounds like it was great and the tutu is perfect!! 🙂
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Janine Huldie says
Allie, I am so with you on this and thought the same thing about the reasoning behind it. And the tutu still make me smile 🙂
stephanie2006 says
I agree with Tiffani, our kids are sometimes just so different in a different environment. For example, Violet obviously loves to pick up messes in kindergarten, but ask her to pick up her room at home, constant battles 🙂 Lily looks really adorable in her costume! And I' glad she got to participate in the show! Back when our Lily had her show, the teachers mentioned that all the kids distributed the roles in the musical among themselves and everyone got the role they wanted. I hope the new school is more to Lily's personality and she will feel more at ease there..
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks Stephanie and I knew you might be able to shed some light and possibly relate. So, seriously thank you for your take 🙂
Kenya G. Johnson says
Love all the pics. Maybe Lily is just being a prim and proper little lady? 😉 I was always a quiet one. And any volume of people such as performing or just walking across a stage made me very nervous. Only those who knew me very very well, knew that I could be funny or cool. So it might just be part of her personality.
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Janine Huldie says
Might very well be, Kenya and just gave me some food for thought. Thanks 🙂
lisang@expandng.com says
Just about the cutest princess I ever did see :). Awesome you had a $50 gift certificate to spend. Merchandise at the Disney Store ain't pocket change :). I know because my parents never bought me anything from there, haha. But that's ok. How interesting and confusing it must be to see your little "ham at home" be such a wall flower at preschool. I'd be a bit upset by that and also by the fact that the same 2 kids got to introduce all the songs. They're so young, I'd think equality/division is best. Unless every kid turned down the part, which is hard to believe. I hope Lily does better at the new preschool. Certainly us parents want our kids to thrive in school, so I think you made the right decision. You just "know" as a parent, ya know.
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks Lisa and I know I usually go with my gut where my kids are concerned. So, glad I don't sound crazy, but just couldn't help, but feel this way. And the Disney Store gift reward seriously was awesome, because I am always int hat store and to be able to get something like that for free felt like I was getting a steal 🙂
@MamaRabia says
She looks so adorable in her tutu! I hope she comes out of her shell more in her new preschool. But not too much, right!?! LOL!
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Janine Huldie says
Lol, Rabia definitely not too much! But thank you seriously 🙂
Amanda Love says
I would never have believed that Lily would be shy. She just so always on the go! She's such a darling though and I'm sure she would have done a great job if given the chance. I'm really surprised that the teachers did that as well. Maybe next year she'll have bigger and better parts. Here's hoping you had a fantastic mothers day as well.
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Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks so much and I know I was definitely a bit in shock myself knowing Lily and how on she always is for us. Hoping you too had a wonderful another’s Day 🙂
irkedmommy says
There should be more of a focus on making sure that each kid has an equal chance to perform.
Lily looks ADORABLE though!
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks Echo and I know exactly what you. Truly couldn’t agree more 🙂
tamaralikecamera says
I think Scarlet is totally different in school, and honestly probably more behaved there. At home, she has a bit of an attitude and a foul mouth, but can also be as sweet as anything.
That tutu is adorable!
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Janine Huldie says
The tutu was definitely a hit and surprised she hasn’t scammed her way into wearing t more since the show. And glad it isn’t just Lily who act differently at home then she does at school.
pfchico says
It is too bad that her school has chosen to do this. I was never a shy child, but had a difficult time speaking in public. This haunted me for many of my school years. Taking a theater class and forcing myself into the front of the class was the greatest help ever. They should be encouraging those that need that push to come out of their shell. She is a doll though. What a sweetie.
Janine Huldie says
Pretty much same here and it also took college public speaking and becoming a teacher to finally get rid of that fear for myself, but I wish her pre-school would have at least given her the opportunity, because I think the younger you are for certain things like this the better to overcome them.
Rosey says
You gotta go with your gut. Though that might be the perfect pre-school for someone else, if you don't feel it's right for you, moving on is what I would do too. We only get one shot to get it right, and our guts rarely let us down. I hope she'll flourish in her new school. 🙂
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks Rosey and I read a post today by another blogger about going with your gut and have to say at this point I just couldn't agree more with that with our kids 🙂
Dana says
My kids always behaved differently when I came in the classroom; it's as if having me in that environment threw them for a loop. Fortunately, they behave better at school than they do at home – they don't want to get in trouble there (but don't seem to mind it with me!).
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Janine Huldie says
Dana, I truly don't want either of my kids to be so outgoing they get themselves in trouble, but still hoping that she does come out of her shell just a bit next year.
Lady Lilith says
She looks so adorable.
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks so much Lady Lilith 🙂
another jennifer says
I'm always surprised to see my youngest act shy. But kids do often act differently when they are not around us. I'm guessing the combo of all the parents and the performance threw her off. She looks adorable!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Jennifer and you may be totally right about the combo throwing her off her game just a bit.
flemily says
Such adorable pics and it looks like it was such a cute show! I don't blame you at all for being annoyed about the disparity of which kids got more speaking roles and so on. That would annoy me too, especially if I knew my kid would have like more of a part. I think if your gut tells you to go to a different preschool, then it's the right decision. I switched my middle guy from one preschool to another for various reasons and I was so glad I did. As for Lily's shyness at school, I will say that I've seen with my own boys that they act one way at home (crazy, loud, etc!) and another way at school (more reserved and respectful). They still act differently (because they tell me they do!) and I have one in middle school and one in high school! And for Little Dude, he was VERY quiet and cautious in preschool, so much so that because he's a fall birthday, we held him in preschool an extra year. He totally came out of his shell during his final year in preschool so holding him back was a good thing for him for sure, but that's a separate issue I guess. 🙂 Anyway, congrats on the show and good luck with the new preschool…I'm sure it will be a great move for her!!
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Janine Huldie says
Emily, I think you are so right about our gut telling us as parents and does sound like you also did the right thing for Little Dude back then as far as keeping him an extra year in pre-school. I know a few parents now that are doing this that are in Emma's class. So, I do think www just do know our own kids. But that said, I do see the way your kid acts around you may not be the way they act in school. I guess I am not wanting Lily to be so forward that she could be taken as rude, but just hope to see her come out of her shell a bit next year. Promise I will update when I can next year here for sure 🙂
Crafty Spices says
She is so adorable and you know she is very talented :)… It's funny how kids act one way when they are with others as to the way they act around us.
As parent's we should always do what we think is right and best for our children regardless of what anyone else would say.
You know best what you have to do for your children!!!
Take Care!!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Jay for your kind words here about Lily and for hosting today, too. I have been so glad I have had some posts that have had a ton of photos in them recently to share with your hop, too 🙂
day-with-kt.com says
I think it is overwhelming sometimes to see how different your kids are in other settings. My oldest is not the least bit shy or quiet at home but he is around other people. Now I get it but sometimes it is hard to watch him just stay back – he is the one who will let everyone go ahead of him even if it means he is out of time when his turn comes.
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Janine Huldie says
Kim, I think you are right and definitely did feel a bit overwhelmed seeing Lily and how she was acting so shy that day, when she has never been that not one minute at home with us. I mentioned it to the teacher actually today to see what response I got and she told me she never speaks up in class and that Lily is not outgoing. She was even shocked that I would say that Lily was at home. That bothered me even more, because to be honest they have been with her a whole year and doesn't seem like they have truly tried to make a connection with Lily, who honestly does usually take to new people pretty quickly once she does get to know them. I am hoping that next year I can cut this off at the pass and have teachers that will work with her on this if that is indeed the case. Thanks though truly for weighing in and appreciate you sharing with me 🙂
whisperingwriter says
So cute! I love that tutu!
My daughter is usually outgoing, but sometimes she suddenly acts shy.
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much for your kind words and letting me know your daughter can act similarly, too.
dishofdailylife says
I think they should make an effort to give everyone as much of a part as possible. I remember in my kids' preschool, there were some that had bigger roles than other kids, but then they made an effort to give other kids extra roles in serving parents after in the party. I felt like even though my children didn't have "lead" roles, they had roles that they were comfortable with and they got to do other things as well. In preschool and elementary school ages, they should be making every effort to draw kids out of their shells!
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Janine Huldie says
I agree with you Michelle and truly hoping that in the new pre-school and her elementary school in years to come will do this, too. Thank you Michelle for sharing this with me today 🙂
Cascia Talbert says
She is adorable! I bet that was a cute show. Have a terrific day!
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks Cascia and have a terrific day, too!! 🙂
notinjersey says
my kids always sing songs from their shows at home, but not in the actual show! that is too bad that only the same kids got to introduce the acts for sure.
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Janine Huldie says
So do my kids with songs they know, especially Frozen and Let It Go. And do totally agree with you 🙂
lizzy allan says
Oh Janine, she is so lovely! Your photos are just gorgeous. i definitely agree that each of the kids should be given a speaking role, even if it's just a sentence each. It's exactly that kind of thing that helps to bring them out of their shells. Giving all the speaking to just two kids encourages the shy ones to remain shy.
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Janine Huldie says
Aww, thank you so much Lizzy and I do very much agree with you, because I definitely would as a teacher at the very least would have tried my best to work with all the kids on this.
gigigirl says
I agree with some of the posts that kids behave differently at home, at school, and in a group. And I agree the teachers could have made more effort to help Lily and the other kids say more in the show. However……Lily looks adorable and I'm sure she did her part well. She is an entertainer at heart. Give her time, she'll begin to show her "show biz" side. I was shy also at her age, even though I was chosen to perform in all the class plays, etc. Eventually, we gain confidence and get over it. Lily is doing fine and a very fun, bright, and talented little girl. She looks adorable in her costume. So glad to see you all today. Love…..xxxxoooo
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks Aunt Gloria and I do definitely agree with many others here. I just wish they would have taken more time I guess this year to make her feel like she could out of her shell a bit. So hoping for that next year and might have to make a point of it with her teacher in the new pre-school. As they say, we have to be their advocates at this age, because they can't. So glad we got to see you yesterday and by the way, Lily was very upset that you left and didn't get to kiss you goodbye! So, know you are loved by her a ton 🙂 xoxo!!
Brittnei Washington says
I don't think you were being over protective at all. This sort of thing would actually fall under one of my gripes about sending my kids to school actually. I can definitely see why when you were teaching that you would give all of the kids a part (same size and all). That was so considerate of you. I will definitely try to do this with my kids always. I would never want any of them to ever be jealous of the other based on something that I was doing that was unfair or wrong. I hope all goes well with Lily's new school. She is pretty outgoing based on what you share isn't she? I really enjoy getting to know her through your blog. I enjoy the funny stories 🙂
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks Brittnei and I really do go out of my way to make sure both my kids feel treated equally all day long, so my hope for them is that they have teachers who can or at least try to do the same. What I saw last week was not what I hoped for, but made me realize as much as I don't like to be that parent and cause trouble, I might need to be a bit more vocal myself with her teachers and just tell them if I feel she needs something. I did it yesterday with writing her name and felt so much better that I said something. And promise to share more Lily tales very soon here 🙂
Nellie says
First, Lily looks absolutely gorgeous in her outfit! I love it so much. I think I would personally wear it! I love all of the photos from the show–so pretty! My son is exactly the same in school, I totally thought he would be shy but he is the opposite! Thank you for sharing this fun show with us 🙂
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Janine Huldie says
So happy I could share and Nellie thank you for telling me that your son is the same way as Lily even though he isn't at home 🙂
Kristi Campbell says
Really cute photos, Janine! Your girls are adorable. When it comes to wishing all of the kids had more of an equal part, I completely agree that the teachers should have made more of an effort. I was a very shy child, but did always want parts in my recitals and such – I just never asked for them and I shouldn't have had to – the teachers should make it as fair as possible.
Also, it can be so hard to see our happy go lucky kids be shy in certain environments – one of my biggest worries for Tucker in kindergarten next year with such a bigger class than he is used to.
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Janine Huldie says
Kristi, huge fears here about kindergarten. As much as Emma, is bright and knows quite a bit she is shy and even now I have my own worries that she won't speak up enough for herself. Trust me, you and I could definitely have hold each other's hand on this one and gladly would welcome it, because I keep worrying all in my own head daily. So, I will honest I am happy deep down to know it isn't just me right about now.
Karen says
I can only imagine the stage fright…OMG. even as a teacher I am so scared of talking in front of peers and large groups. as a parent you better act it up kid so I can see! LOL
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Janine Huldie says
Karen, I was shy as a kid, too and even when I was teaching I remember in the beginning thinking that all eyes were on me. So, I do get it, but still was hoping to see Lily be a bit more in her comfort zone after being with these teachers all year.
Karen says
OMG…and she is just too cute! that one pic where her head is tilted down and to the side, she looks just like you
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Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks Karen and I do see a bit of myself for sure in her when I look, too 🙂
plutrell says
So beautiful and sweet! Thanks for sharing this on the Thursday Blog Hop…I am certain it will inspire other moms.
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Janine Huldie says
Was so happy to share this with all this week and really my kids are what make me smile and so very happy daily. Thanks so much for reading and hosting once again this week, too!! 🙂
spiritedlife says
She is so adorable, Janine! Bee does that too. She'll be fine with me, and fine with other people, ut for some reason when I walk into the room, she's a different person! So, maybe it was because you were there too? I don't know. I definitely think at this age, there should be no favoritism, even on presenting… should be more of an even requirement across the board! You have to do what you have to do!
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Janine Huldie says
Aww, thank you April and I think you are probably right. I know she can be shy when first meeting people, but think the fact that they didn't try to make all the kids more comfortable speaking even just one line got me. In Emma's end of the year show that she just did this past week, the teacher did this for all the kids and could see a big difference there for sure when the teacher actually did make a point of including all the kids.
catherine gacad says
i totally agree with you…that each child needs to participate! not the same students doing more than the others. that's just not fair.
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Catherine and I know very much not fair.