SAHMs: How do you feel about preschool?

[Sarah8914]

I really feel like preschool is getting bigger and bigger these days and that it's "expected" that you put your kids in preschool. None of my family did it (out of 6 kids) and we all turned out fine!

I have some SILs who feel very strongly that it is a very important thing. For us, I feel like the important part would not be the learning, but the social interaction. Also, we have half day kindergarten, so it wouldn't (hopefully) be a huge adjustment anyway. Plus, I am hesitant to start "school" earlier when it'll be their lives for the next 13+ years. I know I will enjoy the break, but I kind of want to spend as much time with my children as I can before they're in school and busy.

Anyway, I am undecided. We're for sure not doing it this year, but we have been considering it for next year. I just don't know how much it would be worth the money. So, how do you feel? And is there anyone who doesn't put their children in preschool?


ETA: Anyone can answer (Working moms too) but I directed this towards SAHMs because it seems like any child already in daycare would naturally move on to preschool/daycare at the right age.

[Nikki Epperson]

I loved when my little one was in PS (now he's in PK) - because he was so attached to me. He learned to be more social and this year was great for starting school because he already had friends. :) I'm all for it!

[LibbysMommy]

I was just having this talk with my MIL the other night. Libby will be old enough to go to preschool next fall. She'll be 4 then. Lots of people send their kids when they're three around here. I always assumed that I would send her to preschool next year, but now I'm not so sure. I am strongly considering keeping her home until kindergarten. She still has little friends and right now she's in daycare so she does have that social interaction with kids. I'll become a SAHM next year, so I think I'd really like to spend that time with just her, ya know? I already feel like I've missed out on so much and I really would like to work with her myself. Granted, it's only a couple of days a week for a couple of hours, but I'm with you - is it worth the money?? I would love to hear what other people have to say about this too!!

[mrs_jb]

I like preschool... not so much for the learning aspect, but for the social interaction and the introduction to school that it gives. Here, kindergarden is full day/every day, so I believe that the kids need the year of preschool to make that adjustment.

I don't think that it's something that you have to do and I think that you can do a lot at home if you choose, however, I do think that there are benfits. Our elementary school told me that the children from my son's preschool came into kindergarden the most prepared and made the easiest adjustments into school... which was something that was important to me, because my oldest son is a little on the shy side. It was also nice that there were already children in class that he knew from preschool, because it made him that much more comfortable.

I was on the fence quite a bit with my oldest, but in some ways I think that my hesitancy was more about me, than about him. In hindsight, he LOVED the 3 hours, 3 days a week that he got to go and play with other kids his age. He loved learning to write his name and go on little field trips to the local orchard or horse farm. So I have no regrets about sending him, and now my 4 year old will be starting in 2 weeks

[Laura_A]

I think it's a great move... I started both my girls at 4 years old. They did 4 hours every M, W & F. It's just a nice way for them to ease into the whole social aspect of other kids, teachers, following instructions, etc. Plus, it's usually super fun for them and it gives mom a few hours a week too.

[ditzyscrap]

I was considering putting Natalie in this year because she wanted to go to school like her brother, but she's 6 months too young for Kindy.

Here it's not really an expected thing, but Mason's new teacher did suggest it for Natalie because it would help ME get to know other parents in the area (at this point, I don't know any, lol).

But, my MIL was VERY upset when I even suggested it...she wants me to keep her home another year. I am undecided, and there is a preschool meeting tomorrow I think, so I may go to that and make my decision. Preschool doesn't start until next week, as far as I know.

My only problem is that I don't have a way to get her there and back, lol - I don't have my license or a vehicle to use...so I'm going to find out if I can register her for preschool in the winter (I think they do it in 2 classes - fall/winter and then winter/spring) and work on getting that rectified, lol! :)

I'm no help, am I? LOL! Mason never went and he was just fine in Kindy...a bit behind socially but that was because he was constantly surrounded by adults for 3 years while he underwent chemotherapy, so he liked that attention more than the attention of other kids. He's totally reversed that though, and is "caught up" to the other kids in his class.

[Emmy]

Preschool can be super fun for little ones but it's by no means absolutely necessary. My oldest 2 kids did 2 years of preschool, my 3rd son did only one year and he's not going this year because we are including him in homeschool with the older boys now. Some random thoughts:

- when I choose a preschool I want one where my child attends at the same time as the other kids not one where my child is there part of the time and the other kids are there all of the time. I like the idea of a true "preschool class" not a daycare where I leave my child 2 mornings a week and the rest of the kids are there all week long. I like the camraderie of the preschool kids being " a class ".

- I like preschools that are not academic. There's plenty of time to learn to read and do math, preschool is not the time for it IMO.

- I like preschools that incorporate our faith (YMMV lol)

- I like preschools where the kids do lots of fun crafts and art projects.

- I like preschools where the kids take field trips occasionally.

All that being said - I don't think it's necessary and preschool can be pretty expensive. I think it's perfectly fine to do a playgroup, library storytime and just spend time with mom and siblings. I would just be conscious of including some arts/crafts time (cutting with scissors, coloring, free art play) and doing lots of reading together if you don't do preschool.

[Becca Bonneville]

I completely agree with Jaclyn. We live in the country and I don't have any friends who live nearby with little ones, so the only social interaction my son gets is at preschool. My son LOVES school and he even gets to ride the school bus in the mornings with his big brother and his cousins which makes him think he is soooo cool! LOL!! Our kindergarden here is full days too, so it is def nice for him to be getting used to how school is and like Jac said, to already know some kids who will be in his class.

[nikkiARNGwife]

We won't be doing preschool...I just prefer to keep mine home until they start school. Actually we couldn't send them to a "preschool" per say even if we wanted to. We live in a rural area and all you get around here are "daycares" where basically it's glorified babysitting. There is a preschool at the public school but it is solely for the children of teachers. I guess if I went back to teaching we could use it but I don't want it that bad lol :)

[lauren grier]

I had planned on putting ce in preschool part time this fall-- but life had other plans for us and it's not possible right now. I think it really depends on the kid. For instance, I didn't attend preschool-- but I played with all the neighborhood kids and was really social--- my brother did though, he's 3.5 years younger than I am and was really well in a shell. All the kids around us were older and he needed the social interaction especially since I started school well before him.
Ce would really benefit socially.. but like I Said just cant' do it right now :D

[newfiemountiewife]

I put mine in preschool, and Rae will start next week.

I did it mainly for the social interaction. However, our preschool is a small group of 4, that gets together 2 part days a week. It is not full time. Here, it is a private preschool run by a teacher, who isn't working in regular school. She has a little "classroom" that is an offshoot of her house, and my kids LOVED it.

If preschool was full time, I don't know what I would have done, but for 2 part days a week, it was a nice diversion for Benjamin and Amelia (and will hopefully be for Rae) and it allowed them some interaction with other kids. They both were smart enough to have skipped, but I thought it would be nice for them to go, meet some friends (since there were no kids their age living near us), and learn a little about what is expected at school. There are other moms on my playgroup board, who have had their 3 year olds in doing part days, 5 days a week, and though if it works for them, good, but it wouldn't have for us. This school is only structured in the days a week they go, and what time their snack is.

Their teacher is AMAZING, she has a wonderful way with kids. She reads them a story every day, they color, read, do crafts. They also take trips, she takes them sliding in the winter (she lives on a perfect sliding hill LOL), they also participate in the Operation Shoebox at Christmas time, and the classes fill up a shoebox to send to less fortunate kids around the world. They have at least 2 of their days each month where they "cook" a snack, she also has "bring your favorite book" day, etc.

I am sending Rae to preschool for the above reasons, and also because she will only be 4 when she starts Kindergarten next year (our cut off is Jan 1). She has resisted any "teaching" coming from me, regarding writing, reading, learning letters, etc, and hope that by going there, the teacher may be able to help her. She is smart enough, but resists ME teaching her. It's a very relaxed environment, and I can honestly say it was worth it for our two (hopefully three).

I only sent them the year before kindergarten, not before that.

ETA our kindergarten is only half days, 5 days a week.

[mlewis]

I think that there's no wrong or right answer. Camden (now 5) was in daycare/preschool because I worked outside the home and had to be there full-time. Once he reached age 3, he really LOVED it, and I could see lots of benefits. Now that I'm a SAHM, I still have him in preschool 2 days a week. It's really beneficial for him to get out of the house, interact with different kids, have a whole new set of toys, etc. They do some preschool learning, but it's not 100%.

For Rory, I probably will do the same thing when she turns 4 and have her go 1-2 days a week, but we'll see.

[Sarah8914]

Thanks for the all the input.

I know it won't hurt my daughter in any way NOT to go, I'm just curious about the benefits. We already do lots of "crafts" at home and she is starting to read (mostly on her own). She goes to a playgroup once a week as well as library storytime. We go to church every week and she spends 2 hours there learning with 5-6 other 3-4 years olds. I know lots of my neighbors and the kids get to play from time to time. I guess it's more the classroom structure she would benefit from than the social part (that would help too, but she does get a lot). Anyway, I will keep pondering. I already found a preschool that is home-based and highly recommend by others in my church (and the teacher goes to our church too)... and she's cheaper than everywhere else... and we're on the waiting list, so I guess I don't have to decide yet.

Oh and Jamie, I know what you mean about her resisting your teaching. I have a good friend who was going to homeschool her children but decided she wouldn't be able to do it with her first because of that reason. Fortunately, that's not our case with Kathryn!

[DawnMarch]

I sent both of mine for a few reasons: (1) the social interaction with other kids. This really helped both of them -- we don't have a lot of kids in the neighborhood and it was good for them to get out and make some friends and just learn how to be around other kids in a school environment (2) we have all-day kindergarten, and it can be a tough transition for kids who have no other school experience. I agree that it's not necessary for them to go to preschool, but I figure that it's only a few hours in a very long week, and if it does them some good, why not? Plus -- they do all the messy craft there so you don't have to do them at home!


ETA: the other big benefit that you mentioned is that they learn just how to "be" at school -- they work on sitting quietly, raising their hand to talk, lining up etc. That makes the K transition easier too.

[newfiemountiewife]

Oh and Jamie, I know what you mean about her resisting your teaching. I have a good friend who was going to homeschool her children but decided she wouldn't be able to do it with her first because of that reason. Fortunately, that's not our case with Kathryn!

Yeah, it wasn't a problem with our older two either, but Rae....well, she's just different LOL :D

[Voodoo_Bryn]

This has all been very interesting to me. I've really been on the fence on this issue, but Yorick is only 18 months, so it's a couple of years down the road for me. I just... I guess I want him to be able to read before kindy... I think I'm gonna be an academic pusher... and I don't want to be like that, but it's really important to me that he be ahead academically.

That being said...
he's not even frakking talking yet. =(

[scrappychic]

Mine are in school half-days M-F. They started going at 2. Now with Mckenna starting Kindy, I see how it's helped her concentrate and interact with the teacher and other kids. I think it's a huge help like Dawn said "being in school". For the 2 yo's they do a lot of play time and crafts but they also get exposed to numbers and alphabets as part of their crafts. One thing that helped is potty training, since they have to be in pull-ups and see other kids going to the bathroom, they learned quicker than at home (we tried but with 3 back to back kids we sloughed a bit). They also learned to sit during lunch and not get up till it was over, and go to the sink and wash up after. I think things like that are ahuge help, and doing it in a group setting helps. They also can't move up a level till they're fully potty trained and show signs of helping like picking up after themselves. Those are all things you can teach them at home, but I think they learn faster when everyone else is doing it.

[Misty Cato]

When I first had Jamin I was pretty adamant I would not send him to school until kindergarten. He's three now and I just dropped him off for his first day of preschool. My how things change.

Truth is, he was getting bored at home. We play games, do crafts, go places, but he still got bored and clingy. It seemed like the more we did, the more clingy he became and now that I have Mya he really needed something new that was just for him. He thrives with structure and soaks up new things like a sponge, so it just seemed like a structured preschool setting was the right thing for him. He'll be going 2 days a week, 3 hours a day to a private Christian school. I'll let you know how it goes. I like that it is just a few hours a week, so he is still with me most of the time, but he can start to develop some independence. I'm also looking forward to doing some the 'baby and me' storytimes and stuff with Mya while he is in school.

As others have said, there is no right or wrong answer, just what is best for you and your kids.

Oh and indulge me while I share a photo. I took it this morning before we headed off for preschool.
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m240/mistycato/090208_-FirstdayofPreschool_1email.jpg

[my3hens]

Oh Misty bless his heart what a cutie!!

Okay so this is something I am really back and forth with myself. I am a SAHM and my oldest is six and in first grade and my youngest is going to be 2 in November. My middle baby is what you would consider preschool age, he will be 4 in November but his late birthday really made the decision hard for me this year. My husband and I go back and forth on this all the time. I love to have little Wes home and wes is just ready to send him.
Now I figured since he will still be 4 when preschool starts next year I would send him but Wes thinks because little Wes turns 5 during the preschool year that he should go straight to kindergarten. (Really he is eligable for both) I am not sure what to do quite honestly. Lily did a year of preschool but only because she was painfully shy and there were no other kids around her. It really opened her up. However we moved and i kept her home the year before kindergarten so she actually did the preschool from 3-4 and then nothing from 4-5 before officially starting up. She did amazing with Kindergarten but it was only half day here.
Im rambling so im not sure what my point is LOL I think ultimately is up to the parent and child. I actually got quite a bit of flack for not sending Wes this year from my friends and family but he and I were both not ready.

[Sarah8914]

Im rambling so im not sure what my point is LOL I think ultimately is up to the parent and child. I actually got quite a bit of flack for not sending Wes this year from my friends and family but he and I were both not ready.

That's what bothers me!! Why does it matter to anyone else what you do? I'm a little worried about this. Worried about people thinking I should put her in preschool if I don't. If I didn't care about this, I think I would have my decision made easily.

By the way, my Kathryn is about your wes's age! She'll be 4 on Halloween. :)

[rach3975]

Personally I think preschool has been great for my older DS (now 4.5 and in pre-K) and I just started my 2.5 year old today. As for whether it's necessary, I think a lot depends on your neighborhood and personal situation. I don't think preschool is necessary academically, but I think it makes a big difference for socialization, separation, and general school skills (standing in line, being quiet during circle time, waiting for the teacher's attention, etc.)

In my neighborhood, everyone does preschool or daycare. A child who didn't have any school experience prior to K would be at a disadvantage, IMO. But if there are other kids in your neighborhood who don't do school prior to K, it may not matter.

As for personal situation, my kids would have little chance to socialize or separate from me if not for preschool. We have no local family or other babysitters to watch them frequently, and the only interaction they'd have with other kids would be weekly classes (Gymboree and such). When I compare the once a week classes we've done to the social interaction at preschool, I don't think the weekly classes could substitute. But again, if your kids have more local friends and playdates, it may be less of an issue.

I agree with the earlier mention to find a 'real' preschool where everyone goes the same hours (ie, MWF 9-12) instead of a daycare where a few kids will be dropping in for preschool and everyone else stays all day. I'll also put in a plug for cooperative preschools if you want to be more involved. My DS goes to a cooperative preschool, so instead of assistant teachers we have parent helpers in the classroom each day. Each of us gets a turn about once a month. I love knowing DS's classroom routine, friends, and teacher in a way I wouldn't if I just dropped off and picked up.

She has resisted any "teaching" coming from me, regarding writing, reading, learning letters, etc, and hope that by going there, the teacher may be able to help her. She is smart enough, but resists ME teaching her.

My 4 year old is the same way. He's smart and picks up a lot, but he refuses to sit down and work with me on letters, etc, as much as we should. We can play school and make it fun and I'll get a few minutes out of him, but he just isn't receptive to it from me. On the other hand, in school he'll focus on academics a lot more. Academics are not a big deal at our school (our slogan is "Learning through play"), but he still soaks up more of the traditional academics there than he does at home.

[alansrock]

I home school

[Paula]

My son was in Pre-K and it helped him tremendously. But, I also took my daughters to preschool and they loved it. It also helped them in school. I don't think it's necessary because like you, I never went to preschool. Heck, the stinkin kindergarten wasn't even built the year I was five (it was ready the next year) and I turned out great! LOL

[mrsmbm]

My daughter has a late birthday (October), so she won't be going to kindergarten until she's almost six. She is almost 4 right now and is writing and very close to reading. She had a small preschool last year that met 2 days a week with some kids from church. Us moms took a rotating teaching schedule. We are doing it again this school year, and increasing the time we meet. Next year, I will enroll her in a full on 3-4 day a week preschool, simply because her friends who have birthdays a couple months before her are all going to kindy. So DD will be going to a type of preschool for 3 years before starting official school. I'm okay with that.

[stayawake]

Here we have Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten - both at the local public school. Both are every day, half days. My daugher who just turned three will be going to Junior Kindergarten next year. (It's a BLOCK away from our house). This year, she is registered for a program called "Jump Start" which is also right near our house - every monday and wednesday for two hours she'll go to a 'preschool' held at a local community center. The desiciption sounds good - they do cooking, art, reading stories and circle time, lots of play, they have gym time, outdoor playtime etc. I think it's just the perfect amount for our family, my daughter really NEEDS to get out and do things by herself. She's just exploding with the things she's learning and I find it tough to keep up...she can already write her name, tell time, do addition and subtraction for numbers under 10... this is just because she p icks things up and things they are FUN not because I try and teach her anything really!
I wish I could afford private christian preschool, but that's not really an option unless I go back to work, and really we're not prepared to do that YET. This preschool option is like $150 for five months (it's partially funded by our parks and recreation department).

[justmp]

I didn't send my DD to preschool until she was 4 years old. ALLLL of the other moms in my circle of friends sent their kids when they were 3. I did have some moms look down their nose at me a bit for not sending her, but I just didn't want to. When she did go when she was 4 she LOVED it, and it was a great way for us to transition to what life would be like when she started full day Kindergarten the following year.

With only one year of preschool, DD was still top in her Kindergarten class and her teacher was always finding her more challenging work to do. I think the decision for us was completely right.

On the other hand, my son isn't quite yet four and is in his second year of preschool. In fact, he was two weeks shy of his third birthday when he started last year. I sent them at the advice of a neurologist that I had taken him to for his speech delay. She thought it would be very beneficial for him to be away from me a few hours each week and be forced to communicate without me. It was good for him.

Honestly, I thought my heart would break each time I sent my kids off to preschool. But, after I realized how much they loved it, and I allowed myself to love my 'alone' time, it was something we all look forward to! :)

[pewtertm]

OK, I haven't read all of the PP's, but I taught preschool and kindergarten for about 15 years, and am now a SAHM of an almost 3-yr-old.

Please keep in mind that all preschools are different...some are more like school, some are just glorified daycare centers... I've had kids in my kinder classes who had spent 2 years in Head Start programs who couldn't even recognize their own names. I've also had kids who had always been at home with family who knew how to read, write, count, etc. Every case is different.

That being said....

Kids can learn alot in a good preschool program. In the 4 yr old class I taught, my students left my class reading and doing basic math...we also did science experiements, had a hands-on social studies program, and had music, art, and PE classes. It was a half-day program, and the kids went home before lunchtime.
The kids who were in daycare went straight from class to their daycare rooms for lunch, nap, and afternoon play.

Kids don't need a preschool to teach them their alphas, numbers, etc...for me, the main reason that I plan on sending Rachel to pre-k is for socialization. She interacts well with other kids at church on Sundays, but being the only child here, with all of her sisters grown, I'd like her to have some friends her age and to learn to get along with classmates before she gets to kindergarten and it starts to really count, kwim?

I could really go off on this topic, but I'll spare everybody more of my rambling for now LOL.

[Sarah8914]

My daughter has a late birthday (October), so she won't be going to kindergarten until she's almost six. She is almost 4 right now and is writing and very close to reading. She had a small preschool last year that met 2 days a week with some kids from church. Us moms took a rotating teaching schedule. We are doing it again this school year, and increasing the time we meet. Next year, I will enroll her in a full on 3-4 day a week preschool, simply because her friends who have birthdays a couple months before her are all going to kindy. So DD will be going to a type of preschool for 3 years before starting official school. I'm okay with that.


That's exactly what I want to do (you're LDS right...)? :) I have a bunch of friends who do this and it worked really well for them. Unfortunately, the kids my daughters age have like 20 siblings and very busy lives already. But, maybe it'll be different next year.

[Tracyfish]

We started L.J. this year (at 3) for a few reasons...one was for socialization...two to make sure he was learning what the other kids his age were learning...three because I needed it too.

We have been involved in a playgroup that was meeting once a week or more since he was just a few months old. The problem with that was that everyone started putting their children in preschool this year and it left us with no one to meet up with. Now that he's in school (1/2 days MWF) I can see where it's more beneficial for him than I ever would have thought. He is learning so many non-academic things from just being around all the other kids and really speaks much more now than before. He LOVES it and I think he really needed it to break up the week a little.

Just do what you feel is best for your child. If my playgroup hadn't broken up, he may not have started this early.

[Shawna]

I've only been a SAHM for about 16 months and before that I worked full time so the girls were in daycare during the school year and home with DH in the summers since he is a 4th grade teacher. I guess preschool isn't necessary (I didn't go myself and I have a college degree lol) but it's a choice we've made for our kids and have been extremely happy with our preschool experiences!

Kaylie started preschool 2 days a week when she was 3.5 and she absolutely loved it from day one. Our daycare provider was also a former Kindergarten teacher so she did a lot of preschool & learning activities with the kids every day also. The next year when she was 4.5 she moved up to 1/2 days 5 days a week and then last year she was in Kindergarten 1/2 days also. I could tell a huge difference between her and most of the other kids in her class last year, she was a lot farther ahead academically than most of the other kids in her class. She was one of only a few kids in her class that were reading at the end of the year.

When it came time for Kelsie to start last year there was no question that she'd be going to preschool also. She did the 1/2 days 2 days a week last year and she's doing 1/2 days 5 days a week this year. She loves school as well although she is a bit more shy than her big sister was. We're hoping our district will have full day Kindergarten next year, they've been trying to get it changed for several years now but if not then she'll do half day Kindergarten also.

And in a few years when Kyle is 3 he will definitely be going to preschool also! Although since he's been at home with me from day one & he's such a total mama's boy he might be one of the kid's crying when he's dropped off the first day lol!

[Jennilyn]

I didn't put my 6 year old in preschool and she is doing very well in school. She was one of the top 3 students in her class last year. My 3 year old won't be going to preschool either...we just don't have the money for it. I might try to find some free playgroups to help with the social aspect she'll be missing though. I don't find it's a necessary thing, although there are some children that would benefit from it.

[Stacey42]

DS1 went to preschool at age 3 and again at age 4. It really helped him because he is a shy kid. He has to fully understand what is going on before he is willing to join in. He is also a bright little boy and it was hard for me to find time to work with him on things while DS2 was around, both for me and for DS1. He went 3 half days in Pre-k3 and 5 half days in Pre-k4 at a private school. They did not play all day. They learned. They learned so much that currently DS1 is bored in kindergarten because they are giving him things to do he did 2 years ago (Draw a line to the 2 things that are the same). But they are done with everyone's assements I think so they will be dividing the class in to more ability related groups this week for the various subjects, so I am hoping that will fix that.

DS2 went to Pre-k3 at the private school as well. He didn't benefit much from it. He learned some stuff but I wasn't really impressed, certainly not enough to shell out another year's tuition. I think he would have been fine home with me last year. I took him to the public schools' pre-k assessment day. They take 40 kids every year, the ones they think can benefit most from pre-k4 but don't qualify for Head Start. DS2 was put on the wait list & I was fine with him not going. Then they called me out of the blue 3 weeks ago & said there was an opening for him. So today he started afternoon preschool. We'll see how it goes.

[stayawake]

Jennilyn, if you are in Ontario, check out the Ontario Early Years Center nearest you... there are SO many free playgroups they offer - drop in, scheduled, music, getting messy craft ones, everything. We have one that is held doors away from me so we go every Friday. They have great toys, great staff, and do circle time and add some structure - great for getting ready for school!


I didn't put my 6 year old in preschool and she is doing very well in school. She was one of the top 3 students in her class last year. My 3 year old won't be going to preschool either...we just don't have the money for it. I might try to find some free playgroups to help with the social aspect she'll be missing though. I don't find it's a necessary thing, although there are some children that would benefit from it.

[KristinCB]

Lily was actually in preschool for 2.5 years. She is a january baby and here cut off for starting school is december 31st. Here playschool for the 3 year olds was two days a week and for the 4/5 year olds it was 3 days a week, just 2.5 hour classes.

Lily LOVED it. I am in a small town and almost all the kids went. I am so so dreadfully shy that I don't really know any of the moms (i know them but not really know them kwim? lol) so I am glad that at least lily had lots of social interaction. Lily is a very friendly girl and loves to play with other kids so she always had a blast there and was able to make friends.

I went to preschool myself as a kid so it wasn't really something I even thought or decided about, I just always knew I'd want her to go. I never thought about doing preschool for the learning aspect either, just more the for her to get to make friends and have fun.

[jessica31876]

When my son started school oh about 6 years ago he was sooo not ready for school. He had been at home with me and was used to one on one interaction and having me all to himself and had only played with older children so interaction was a big deal for him and still is to some degree. I feel like because he had such a rocky road when he started it sorta tainted his perception of school completely. Anyhow my point of that is I was highly criticized by his teacher and principal in the many conferences we had to figure out the right way to deal with the issues he was having for NOT putting him in daycare/preschool of some type even though I was/am a SAHM. I felt like I had to defend my choices I made concerning him. I didnt feel the need to put him in daycare or preschool because we worked on learning at home and he did fine playing with other children or so I thought....but there it was everytime I went to a conference at his school I would be questioned why he was never put in preschool.

As for whether I believe in preschool for children of SAHM well if you are able to afford the extra costs and your child likes attending the school you choose and you feel your child needs the class to prepare for school I dont think it is the wrong thing to do. If you are worried about it you could always find a place that will allow just one day a week or two days a week for your little one. That way you still have lots of time together but he still gets social interaction and a more formal structured learning environment that would be a little more similar to how Kindergarten will be

[joelsgirl]

I LOVE me some preschool. My son is super social and has a lot of energy, and the days when he's home all day we both go crazy (he's 3). If he didn't love it, I'd have to rethink it, but fortunately we both love it.

Before I had kids, I often said things like, "When I have kids, *I* will be raising them, not some childcare provider." But I've seen the light, and I truly cannot see any negatives for preschool, at least in our situation. It's only half a day, very child centered and it really stimulates Jack.

[KirstieGai]

I'm a SAHM with 3 kids 5, 3 and 22mths.

My 5yr old is in Kindy (full school day 5 days) but started daycare at 15mths when I went back to work. When I stopped working I left her in daycare because she enjoyed it and I had a new baby at home. She then went to preschool 2 full days at 4yrs because it was part of the school we had chosen for her and it was excellent.

My 3yr old has been going to daycare since just before 2yrs and she goes 2 days a week school hours because I drop her there and then take my DD to school and pick her up after I pick up the kindy kid.

My DS started daycare last week and her's 22mths. He goes 1 day a week with his sister.

It depends on the daycare and preschool and what sort of programs they run. I've chosen daycare that has a good school readiness program but I know others that don't do that. I've found that kids learn more from other kids (yes, sometimes bad) and my kids love it. If they didn't like it I wouldn't send them.

I get 1 day to myself each week but that's when I do the house cleaning, shopping, errands, etc.

[AmyM]

Personally I think it's overrated. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to teach a 3 year old their colors. I'm not a big fan of the socialization argument either, but that is just me. Parents should have a choice and it should not be mandated by the government to put them in all these preschool programs. It just keeps getting earlier and earlier. Some children could benefit, but most whose parents have time to teach them really don't need it. Individual, family by family case by case basis. Your children are yours, not the government's and I'm not a fan of this new idea of universal preschool. Leave it up to the parents. :)

[Jennilyn]

Jennilyn, if you are in Ontario, check out the Ontario Early Years Center nearest you... there are SO many free playgroups they offer - drop in, scheduled, music, getting messy craft ones, everything. We have one that is held doors away from me so we go every Friday. They have great toys, great staff, and do circle time and add some structure - great for getting ready for school!

Thanks Lindy, but I'm in Nova Scotia. My hometown has a free group to go to, but not in the village where I am. :(

[crecia27]

I'm a WOHM, so I didn't really have a choice - BUT after seeing how much they have to know in Kinder and First grade MY head spins. But if you are an organized mom I don't see why you couldn't teach her the things she needs to know. Me, I'm not organized and I'd end up needing to send her. I do agree it sucks though, that they don't get to be kids longer!

[newfiemountiewife]

That's what bothers me!! Why does it matter to anyone else what you do? I'm a little worried about this. Worried about people thinking I should put her in preschool if I don't. If I didn't care about this, I think I would have my decision made easily.

By the way, my Kathryn is about your wes's age! She'll be 4 on Halloween. :)

All of our babies are close together then!!!

Rae will be 4 on November 8. But with our cut off for school being Dec 31st, she will have to start kindy in Sept 2009, so she'll only be 4 when she starts.

I know there is a HUGE age gap there, because Amelia is starting kindy tomorrow, but her birthday is Jan 21. So she will be almost 6 entering kindy tomorrow, and there are other kids that aren't even 5 yet.

[breakingbrie]

I don't think it's necessary. My sister's kids didn't go and they've done just fine so far, none of them had problems in kindy. I do want my girls to go tho. I want the social aspect of it, I think it'd be good for them. I'm a sahm right now, but that could change. But if not preschool, I want to get them into some program like that at least where they'll have time to be around other kids.

[aggiefamily]

Garrett (now in all day K) started Mother's Day Out when he was 2. He went Tue and Thurs from 9:30 to 2:30. He did not gain much educationally but it was great for his speech problems and social skills.

Lance started at age 1 and went on Thursdays. This year he is in the 3 year old class and goes 2 days a week. He is in MDO for my sanity.

I have no expectations for Lance to learn his sounds or how to write. I teach him that at home. We just need that time away from each other and he needs that time to play with other children.

[stayawake]

I think there are things other than strictly academic things you could teach your child at home, and should be concerned about teaching her. Self-care skills, for instance. Does she keep track of some of her own toys/clothing/belongings? Can she use the potty indepently? Can she dress herself, get her snack out of a lunchbox and eat it herself? Following a set of three instructions, for instance, is second nature to pre-school kids (go to the coat room, get your coat and line up at the door) but can be baffling to kids who haven't had that many instructions in a row.
I've been told by a few of my friends who are kindy teachers that these are even more important skills than the academic ones.

If you are worried about what people think, it is important to firmly understand WHY you are making this decision. And don't be afraid to defend it.

(say things like, we are working hard on our social skills, academic skills and self care skills at home and through a variety of methods , we have an established routine at home and feel our child is thriving there and I would rather theach my child these things myself rather than have them pick up someone elses bad habits that I have to PAY for.)

I'm facing some tough issues right now too - mine is the opposite, everyone around me is homeschooling their child and I am feeling MEGA pressure to not put my child in school. I don't know WHAT to do.

[AmyM]

I'm facing some tough issues right now too - mine is the opposite, everyone around me is homeschooling their child and I am feeling MEGA pressure to not put my child in school. I don't know WHAT to do.

Mine's the opposite! LOL! Lots of private school kids but I don't know a single homeschooler in this area. I wanted to homeschool but I bowed to the pressure of regular school. We decided to just give it a shot. Hope it gets better

[my3hens]

Just wanted to add how awesome so many of our kids ARE so close in age! To bad we didnt all live closer together LOL We could have our own sweet shoppe play group and wouldnt have to worry about the socialization aspect huh LOL!

[newfiemountiewife]

Just wanted to add how awesome so many of our kids ARE so close in age! To bad we didnt all live closer together LOL We could have our own sweet shoppe play group and wouldnt have to worry about the socialization aspect huh LOL!

I know! That'd be awesome LOL

[mommy2aria06]

My daughter will be going to Montessori school as soon as she is old enough (2.5 years old- she is almost 2 now). If it was a regular preschool I probably wouldn't be so excited but I'm a huge believer in Montessori- already have her school picked out and everything lol

[girlflies]

My dd is now 5 and last year did 3 full days a week at a phenomenal daycare associated with an elementary school. She will do the same again this year (though she would love to go 5 days a week). When my ds masters the potty (....oh let it be soon!!!) he will go for 2 days a week. We have decided to give them what we consider the best of both worlds.
On another note, my dd could be in kindergarten now, but we have decided to 'red shirt' her. That has been a tough one to explain to everyone!!!
I say do what works for you and your kid. And if it doesn't..., change it!! You are beholden to no one :)

[Tracie Stroud]

We won't be doing preschool, because we'll be homeschooling. I'm not sure how I would feel about it if we planned to send them to regular school.

[cheltzey]

I'm so glad to know that others are struggling with this decision! Where we are, it's expected that OF COURSE your child will go to preschool and OF COURSE you would want to send them. Katie turned 3 in August, and so I'm starting to think about what we'll do next year. I hate the idea of paying someone for what I can teach at home. We have tons of playdates already, and she's extremely social and well-mannered. I do need to be more disciplined about "teaching," but she already knows her letters and is trying to write her name, so I must not be doing too poorly.

I am considering Joy School. Has anyone done that? What do they think about it?

[bexy]

i have a friend who does one out of her home and a couple of my other friends kids are in it too. so that was a big incentive for me. my daughter is just SO social and LOVES learning anything. i don't have her in it for any real educational purposes, but i like that it teaches her how to listen to an authority figure other than her dad and myself, and it gives her a chance to interact with other kids than just the ones she's used to. and it's only twice a week for 3 hours. so it's perfect. but i have to say that if my friend wasn't doing it, then i probably wouldn't have even considered it!

[tracey]

My DS went to pre k for 2 years, started when he was 3. I worked 12 hrs a day/6 days a week then, and he kinda "had" to go. It was great for him socially too.
On the other hand, I didn't send DD to preschool. She will be 5 in January. This decision may be totally selfish, but I just wasnt ready to let go yet. I don't know that I will be ready next year either, lol. We do "school" things here at home to make sure she will be ready. I know it would of been good for her socially, but I just wasnt able to let her go.

[Rae's World]

I did not go back a read everyone elses post so I hope I am not just repeating what has already been said.

I like preschool. Children are expected t learn so much more these days and at a faster pace. I have my 4yr in kindergarten at a charter school. He turns 5 in Oct. so they let him in. He is very smart, writing his name, counting to 100, knows all shapes and colors and stuff like that. But he just was having a hard time adjusting because is was sooo much work. I was able to make a deal with the teacher and principal and take him home everyday early. (we have full day kinder). Anyway, he comes home with tons of work!!! I remember kindergaten being playtime, snack time, nap time and singing time. NOw the kids sit all day in desks and do tons of work. So back to my opinion, preschool is great it gets the kids ready for kinder which is not a bunch of play. It is serious work. I hope that makes sense.