Anything you wish you knew at Pre-K?

[Anonymous]

There is a huge range in K. By 3rd grade it is much much smaller. Don't put too much energy comparing your child to others regardless of where they are.

[Anonymous]

My kids says that the school day is too long and I agree with him. He just has to suck it up.
I didn't worry about who could read and who didn't know their letter. I also feel like it will all even out. Different strengths and weaknesses stay along with different interest, but that's how we all are.

[Anonymous]

Don't worry about the academics. Can they get along with others? Be chill about transitions? Deal with it when suddenly there's a substitute and not the regular teacher? Handle disappointment when they can't sit next to their buddy at circle time?

[Anonymous]

Drop those naps.

[Anonymous]

Acedemics now don’t mean as much as people think as long as they have the basics. Advanced kids tend to level out unless their IQ is seriously high.

The things to worry about are endurance (so stop naps) socializing (playgroups!) and being able to eat something for lunch that you can send with them to school. And toilet training.

[Anonymous]

OP here - Thanks for all the replies! It was very civil so I appreciate it : )

We're working on DC's ability to 'work things out' herself without going nuclear when she's tired or tattling to the teacher. It's hard. In any event, it goes to socialization, the ability to transition and go with the flow, etc. But believe me, to one PP's point, I'm one of those parents to believe the teachers/admin are doing their best and to give them the benefit of the doubt, 100%.

We skip the naps on the weekends. At school, they still have her nap because she frankly needs it. They start phasing it out for all pre-K kids during the summer. She will be in before/after care so it'll be a long day.