To think that I can go to this baby class?

[Gerbera55]

Background info:
A friend and I are both teachers so have an understanding of how language development works and how important it is. I am a mum to a 12 week old.
My council have released information about a language development focus baby class they are going to run at a local children’s centre. They haven’t announced cost yet, but based on other classes I have seen, it will likely be free or very low cost.
I saw my friend today and she asked about any classes I have been doing with baby. I told her about the baby massage and sensory classes I have been doing. I mentioned the language development class to her and she told me she thinks I shouldn’t go because I know how to support my baby’s language development, so I should leave the spaces for mums from low income families who can’t afford classes or for those parents who need support with language development.
In one sense I can see where she’s coming from, but equally my maternity pay won’t stretch to the more expensive classes for much longer and also I want to do as much as possible to support my child’s language development, especially with them being August born.

AIBU?

I was kind of with you until that last part?!

Wow you know everything about my cycling loving husband who DJs whilst pedalling and searching for our latest holiday at the same time.

You seem to have a chip on your shoulder and think I’ve got some kind of mega-wealth. You couldn’t be further from the truth. You haven’t got a clue about my background so
maybe go off the information in my post rather than making ridiculous sweeping statements? I welcome opinions (I wouldn’t have posted if I didn’t) but let’s stick to the facts rather than making up a story to fit your agenda?

That's why you put them in deprived areas but open them to everyone - see Sure Start model

Honestly it’s all about his language skills for me, I’ve made a lovely group of friends from my baby massage class already!

Whereas in my kid's schools, these uniform shops have always been handled by senior members of the PTA or equivalent, who are always middle classed women and the occasional man. The best 2nd hand uniform goes to their buddies so much of what is left for the normal people who aren't in the clique is faded and misshapen. They then brag that they get all uniform 2nd hand and look at us who buy new like we are trying to be Kardashians.

I was just referring to what happens where I live and work. I had no idea your partner cycles. I did go off the information in your post. You are a teacher on maternity leave. To me, professionals arent the ones to be accessing these free community classes. I know they will.regardless because people are grabby but I personally find it very selfish.

I honestly think they will tell you what to do to support your child’s language skills and based on your job and posts, I really didn’t think you will learn anything new.

By all means go, assuming you are eligible for it, but be prepared to find you are wasting your time unless you are looking for social interaction as well.

The working classes can own their own homes you know…

If the class is open to everyone - then its open to everyone.

You’re a teacher.

Of course you should go. If the demand was too high then they would have other criteria. If it is open to all you should go.

Also I expect there is always something to learn, and the very early stages of language development might be new to you.

It's just what I see. They rinse the 2nd hand uniform shop because they want to save for holidays and major house renovation and things like that. That's why they push their way in to these kinds of schemes. It frees up money for luxuries.

Isn’t it a bit early to be concerned about your baby’s language skills?

I don’t think there is anything wrong with attending any class if it’s open to anyone, I’m just wondering whether a class for developing language skills is necessary for a baby of that age.

Yes absolutely. I asked a few questions to establish class.

I work with deprived families and I come from one! I sure as hell wouldn’t be alienating anyone at any classes based on their socio-economic backgrounds.
I’m sorry that you’ve had experiences which have left you doubting others’ motivations but that’s not me.

It’s all second (third and fourth) hand uniform where I am. We all pass down coats, shoes and general outgrown clothes galore.

My youngest child is in Y2 and for his entire schooling time I’ve only bought him some white school shirts because I thought a school photo with one that was white (rather than the stains he has on most of them) would look better. All his trousers, jumpers, PE kit and school bags have been second hand.

Once outgrown, I just pop back into the school’s PTA box and it will be used by another child.

Never too early. Babies are like sponges so communication with them matters from birth!

I can actually see her point of view. Free and low cost classes are often seized by better off people-look what happened to SureStart.

I use the school uniform exchange. I have plenty of money. There is no shortage of clothing available and it’s all decent quality stuff available. I use it because I don’t see the point in people buying stuff year after year when there is perfectly good stuff available second hand.

It would take a lot of school uniform to pay for a major house renovation.

Some of us leave it for people who need it more than we do. If we can buy, we do. I think it depends on your values and how many truly deprived people are around you.

She’s talking drivel. Loads of teachers have absolutely no idea about language acquisition. I have taught for 20+ years, been a senco, deputy head etc and have no idea.
I do know how to plan a good maths lesson for Year 3 and what I don’t know about the Tudors in the KS2 curriculum isn’t worth knowing 😆 but baby’s language development?! No clue.
Unless it’s directed at a particular group of parents which you aren’t part of, then it’s up to you if you go and signing up to stuff will help keep these brilliant resources going.

Edited because half term and I can’t write sentences that make sense!

Totally agree - the amount of stuff we have in school as donated uniform is ridiculous. Bags and bags of it. Much better it be used than ends up landfill.

Is yours free? Ours isnt..it is resold and the money goes to the PTA. Both Primary and Secondary. Primary they do 50% off. Secondary it depends on price and condition. You will pay a max of 2/3 the price I think

Your friend is talking rubbish. Your child has as much right to support as any other child.

I think it really depends on the class. I saw a playgroup being advertised near to me and it says there is no requirement for parents to read or write at the sessions. My baby is not the target audience for that particular kind of group so I wouldn't go to that one.