Is preschool really necessary?
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Anonymous
| Just like all the other parents, I have a 3.5 year old that we pulled out of preschool when covid happened. I am contemplating keeping her home with us until she is eligible for PreK program in Fall 2022 (which she would attend when she is 5 since she didn't make the age cut off). Not only for our safety since I am currently pregnant (due in Oct), but also we want to keep her home for bonding time when the new baby arrive. Both DH and I are working from home full time and my job is very flexible/manageable. I am however, feeling some guilt about keeping her home for so long. Will she be missing anything from not being in preschool for the 3/4's program? Will she be ready for Kindergarten with only attending one year in PreK? Maybe I am thinking too much, but just looking for some reassurance! Thank you! |
Anonymous
| Our older child benefitted from having his own time and space in preschool when your younger child was born. But it was pre-COVID. Short answer is, no, she'd be fine with waiting until PreK to go back. Many families are doing that this year and it's not uncommon in non-COVID life either. |
Anonymous
| Nope. I didn't send any of my four kids. They've all thrived despite that - youngest is in 8th grade now. |
Anonymous
Side note - can we stop using "thrive"? It has lost its luster and seems to be the generic standing for almost every child in the DMV. |
Anonymous
| It’s not necessary. If you’re asking the question and can afford to either stay home or hire a nanny, then your kid will be FINE. It’s the Headstart kids who really need it. |
Anonymous
+1 |
Anonymous
|
Outlier here. September 2022 is a LONG way off, OP. Yes, I think it would be a mistake. She needs activity and other kids especially after the isolating year we’ve all had.
If nothing else, there is no reason to make the decision now. Even the top preschool programs won’t open up applications until January 2022. That ten months away. |
Anonymous
| 3/4 preschool is definitely not necessary, but your daughter needs some kind of peer interaction for social-emotional development. You could get that through classes (my county offers a bunch of outdoor ones), a small pod of playmates, etc. |
Anonymous
| Helpful yes, necessary, no. Just start working with her on reading and the basics. |
Anonymous
| I would choose a PT program, 2-4 mornings a week starting this fall. Then add in a few classes. It will help her to have friends and her own world with a baby coming. I also think firstborns need that peer socialization. |
Anonymous
Sure. They've all done well academically and socially, physically and emotionally, despite that. |
Anonymous
Except OP’s child would be 5 before she started preK. And after the isolation of covid? Another vote here for starting her in preschool at 4. She’ll be way behind the other kids otherwise. |
Anonymous
That’s on the assumption that parents with higher SES will teach their kids how to operate in a group setting. So parents who don’t send their kids to preschool — make sure you actually do that. |
Anonymous
Yup. Beyond the academics, she needs to learn how to interact with her peers, follow directions, etc. |
Anonymous
| Nope, but my BFF is a Kindergarten teacher who has said that she can tell which kids have been in preschool and which have not based on behavioral issues, not academic issues. Meaning they can read and do some basic math, but they're not as good at following directions. Also, they're not as self sufficient with things like zipping coats, opening their backpacks, lunches, etc... |