All About Barnehage

In Norway, all mothers are given a year of paid maternity leave and it is expected at the end of that time the mother will return to work and the child will start barnehage. Getting a spot in your top choice of barnahage can be difficult and we were advised to submit our application to our kommune (municipality) as soon as we had Xander's Norwegian number (the equivalent of a social security number) when he was just a few weeks old. While many of our expat friends choose to put their children in English speaking kindergardens, we felt that he would benefit from the exposure to the language and culture of the country that he was born in and requested placement at only Norwegian barnehager.

In July, we received our placement letter at our #2 choice. After speaking with another English speaking mother with a child at the same school we realized that we lucked out and were actually very happy with the placement.

Our barnehage

I agonized for a few weeks if he was really ready to start school, and spend much of his day away from me. However, I spoke to MANY people who put my mind at ease at what a great experience it had been for them and how much their children loved it. At the same time, I found out we were pregnant and the prospect of caring for my wild and busy toddler while pregnant was not a pleasant one. And on top of all that, my business was growing and I was getting many referrals and therapy requests so we thought we would give it a try. We could always change our minds.

Xander's first day of barnehage was August 18. We were required to bring him for just 2 hours the first day to ease him into it. In fact, it is required of all parents to be present for at least the first 3 days and more if needed.

First day of school

Playing with his teacher on his first day of school

The next day he was there for 3 hours, and the following he stayed until just after his nap. I feel like this slow, relaxed introduction made it easier on ALL of us. There were no tears (at least from Xander). I felt like we had time to get to know his teachers, the structure of his classroom, and to see him explore and enjoy it and know that he was happy there.

He has now been attending barnehage for almost 3 months. I bring him in the morning around 9 AM and we go into his classroom's clothing area. It is full of winter suits, gore-tex boots, gloves, and hats in tiny kid sizes.

Clothing area and Xander's spot

We remove his coat, shoes, and hat and take him into his classroom across the hall in just his socks. No shoes in the classroom. There are about 15 children ages 11 months-2.5 years in his class and 5 teachers.

Our lovely teachers

And he usually runs into his classroom without so much as a backward glance at me! From 9-11 they are either outside or indoors doing a craft, reading a book, going to the chapel to listen to bible stories or sing songs, or into the basement gym. A few times a week they go "på tur" which means nature walks and exploring the local forests.

Xander's classroom på tur

Xander på tur in the forest

Xander's class på tur

Lunch is from 11-12. His barnehage serves hot meals 2 days a week which are prepared in their school kitchen with fresh, real ingredients from the local grocery store and include homemade pizza, baked salmon and root vegetables, fiskboller (fish meatballs), or Xander's favorite...havregrøt (oatmeal). The other 3 days a week they have pålegg (open-faced sandwiches) on bread or crackers with a variety of Norwegian cheeses, meats, butter, leverpostei (liver spread!) and vegetables (carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, tomato, etc.).

The snack cart for the day

Fresh bread and boller from the Rema 1000 (local grocery store)

Most children also have a glass of milk with their meal but we've requested Xander just have water. He is a BIG water drinker just like his momma! For snack he usually has fruit, cheese, bread, or yogurt. No sweets are allowed to be served or brought into the school. We've been told that he eats VERY well and usually has at least 2 portions of each meal. The children eat at a table all together and are served family style. They have to request if they want more of something and Xander has gotten very good at pushing his empty plate at us and asking for "MORE MORE!"

After lunch they nap in their strollers outside. I was a little worried if Xander would be OK with this but he seems to have adjusted fine. He's one of the longer nappers in fact and some days he's just barely woken up and had his snack when I arrive to pick him up. He usually sleeps from 12:30-2:30 in his stroller lined up along the back wall of his school.

The teachers take turns sitting outside with them the entire time but they're outside rain or shine. The only time they'll nap inside is if it is excessively windy or the temperature is -5 ºC or below (23 ºF). He sleeps warm and snuggly in his stroller sleeping bag (vognpose) with a terribly ugly green bear that apparently he has swiped and insisted on sleeping with.

This is really interesting to me considering he usually throws anything soft and cuddly immediately out of his crib when he is sleeping at home.

Outdoor play is a HUGE part of Norwegian barnehage and the goal is to spend the majority of the day outside. Most days he is outside from 9:30-11 and 12:30 (while napping) until 3, when I usually pick him up. So they're really only inside to eat! In a country where the weather is usually a little uncomfortable year round (either too cold or too wet) the right clothes are extremely important and Xander has an extensive set of rain and winter gear. In the rainy Fall and late Spring season he wears waterproof, Gore-Tex boots or rubber rain boots, a thin cotton hat, and a full body rain suit.

Rain gear

More rain gear

In the cold Winter and early Spring he wears an under-layer of wool, full body fleece jumpsuit, all underneath a windproof winter suit, fleece lined winter boots, triple layer gloves, a wool hat, and a scarf.

His Norwegian woolies

Wearing his winter gear out with his class

We've spent a small fortune getting him the right clothes and it's taken me some time to figure out what he needs but it's worth it to never worry about him playing outside. No matter the weather he stays warm and dry. And when he's ready to come inside, we strip everything off and he's clean and I don't have to worry about him ruining his "inside clothes".

Our experience with Xander's Norwegian barnehage has been wonderful. He loves going there and I know he's having so much more fun than he would if he was stuck with me all day. He is learning another language and they say they can't tell a difference between him and the regular Norwegian kids based on what he understands. That makes me a proud momma. He is a VERY social kid and he is absolutely energized by spending his day in such an enriching, play encouraged environment. His teachers love on him with hugs and kisses and it warms my heart to see other people love my sweet boy.

Xander's teacher texted us this picture one morning. That is a happy kid!