If you are lucky enough to have a choice in the matter, you may have asked yourself the question: should I send my child to preschool or not? With my daughter turning three soon, I have thought about this a lot. I’m still not sure what I want to do…as I can see pros and cons on both sides. If you too are on the fence as to whether or not to send your child to preschool, here are some things to consider:
Socialization
How often does your child get to play with other kids around his age? Socialization with kids his age will help your child get along well with his peers when he does start school. Going to preschool may also help your child get used to the in-and-outs of school such as lining up and raising your hand when you have a question. These will come in handy when he enters the more structured world of kindergarten. He will also have a chance to learn social skills like sharing, taking turns, and working in a group. If your child has siblings at home or kids his age that he sees often, these things can be learned through interactions with them.
Education
If your child doesn’t go to pre-k, will you be able to and have the time to teach her the things normally taught in a preschool class? Your child will be expected to know certain basic things when she enters kindergarten. Many of these things can be taught easily through play and everyday interactions, and don’t require formal teaching. Basic things your child should learn are the alphabet, counting, colors, shapes, and how to write her name and letters and numbers.
Your Time
Of course, if you are working during the day, and have no one to watch your child, you may not have any other choice but to send him to pre-K. But even if you are a stay-at-home-parent, you might need (or want) a little extra time to yourself. If you work from home, a few hours at school could mean a few hours of uninterrupted, productive work for you. If you have a baby at home, you could spend the hours your child is at school taking care of the baby and having some one-on-one bonding time.
Your Feelings
In the end, the decision is up to you. Preschool is not required for children, and four year olds are still pretty young. If you want more time with your child at home with you before you begin the school years, no one can fault you for not sending her to preschool. Staying at home will also allow her more unstructured playtime…something she will get less and less of as she goes on into kindergarten and then 1st grade.
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