The story of how I, not an education professional, have navigated early childhood education, Kumon, and middle school entrance exams from age zero

Self-introduction

Nice to meet you. My name is Rin.
I am a mother in my 40s with two daughters (one in upper elementary school and one in lower elementary school).

After graduating from a private university in Kansai, I worked in industries such as manufacturing and advertising.
I had no knowledge of education, but when I became a mother, I first learned about early childhood education when my eldest daughter was nine months old.

While still breastfeeding and with my child who couldn't walk yet in an Ergo carrier, I attended the early childhood classroom 'BabyPark'.
I also enjoyed and made great use of Baby Kumon at home.

Even amidst the chaos of raising two children, I have many memories of enjoying parenting while exploring how to nurture the synapses and neurons in their brains.

Twelve years have passed since then, and my eldest daughter is now in her sixth year, attending a major cram school for middle school entrance exams.
My second daughter is still continuing with Kumon.
She is working hard, four grade levels ahead in Japanese and math.

The phase of parenting is shifting from 'nurturing' and 'protecting' during the early childhood and lower elementary years to 'supporting' and 'watching over'.
I feel a touch of sadness. (Quite sad, actually!)
I am writing this note as a memoir for myself.

I also hope it can serve as a little hint or a source of empathy for moms who are currently raising adorable babies or toddlers,
or for moms who have children of the same generation.
I look forward to connecting with you!