I have struggled the past couple years with the concept and societal push to send my child off to preschool when I chose to be a "stay at home mom". Wouldn't part of that job description include using the time and talents I have to teach, nurture, play, enrich, provide and learn with my child before sending him away into the years of school to come? Five short years with my child, just him and me...why...why would I want to make that any shorter? Why is there such a big push, why is there so much competition? Can children not be children anymore, are they being expected to grow up to fast? These are the questions that filled my mind and maybe some of yours....so each need to answer for our self and child. Wow, being a parent you have to make many decisions!
Grant is a boy through and through. He has energy that lasts beyond measure, never ending curiosity, and a drive for dirt and the outdoors. Academics you may wonder...that will come. Socializing...you find opportunities and make it happen. After years of teaching in the public school system I know no matter which option one chooses of the many: preschool, homeschooling, two days, three days, play groups, church groups, Joy School....whatever it may be, with a loving supportive family, the child will be FINE.
The answer was simple to me...well I'd like to think it was, it seems so now. A few weeks ago in a quandary of what to do it didn't seem so. But, we've found a fit. Grant and I started a co-op preschool this morning that will fit our needs beautifully. I was delighted at the small group, the intense focus on learning for a short period of time, the play after and then off we went....having our whole day left to do what we always do together (we will go back Monday for art and music).
I only have Grant and thus we're like two peas in a pod. We have done and do everything together. We grocery shop, we do yard work, we play, we relax, we talk, we live life day to day...together, and when Mark gets home, it's the three of us squeezed into that pod. Kindergarten will only come too soon and this time I have with my child will seems like yesteryear in the blink of an eye.
I imagine some of you are laughing at me and thinking, come on Kim...times are changing... and yes, I guess they are. But sorry folks, I'm old school and life is too short! I respect parent's decisions to do what they choose when it comes to the matter of preschool, it's a hard decision! I also know there are many variables that play into this decision like other kids in the family, certain aspects or concepts you're wanting your child exposed to but by someone else--I believe there is a fit for every child and family. I am happy today we found ours.
Please feel free to share about what fit you have found!
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I think it is individual. Madie loved Preschool, it was the next street over with the Bishops wife. It was good for her to socialize and learn from someone else, I think it helped her to not be scared about going this year. It gave me some nice alone time with Ethan before Landon came. Ethan will be 6 when he goes so I think Preschool will be a good thing for him to do a year before school. Especially seeing Madie go to school and wanting to go too. I think that teaching as a parent is a given, but children can have good experiences learning from others. I agree to each his own,they do grow up way too fast and the most important thing is raising children who know who they are, feel good about themselves, can interact with other children, and most of all to know they are loved.
I'm so glad that things worked out so well. John is the type of kid who used to vomit (literally) at the thought of separating from me, so it was good to start transitioning him, and now he is really confident.
I TOTALLY agree about the competition thing. Kids don't need pressure to learn so much at an early age. Preschool age should be a time of self-discovery. How wonderful that you and Grant have such a close relationship.
Amy
Your relationship with Grant is such a beautiful thing. Ender and Maya head off to a private, English speaking, Korean school every weekday. They are to peas in a pod. They really enjoy learning new songs and coloring together. What a fun idea to see what has been a good fit for different families. I love to get input from other mothers.
Well, I feel like I've tried all the options (or at least most of them) with my 3 kids--2 days a week, 3 days a week, Mommy and Me school, Joy School....I think it depends so much on what you think your particular kid needs at that particular time. It is so hard to figure that out sometimes though. For me, preschool was more about the socialization than learning anything academic--there's more than enough emphasis on that when they get to school. I am SO happy that today was a good thing for you and Grant.
I don't even have my baby yet and yet this made me sad to think about when I will have to send him off to school. I am so glad that you found something that made sense for you and made you happy.
I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the cute flower picture that Grant drew for you! So sweet!
I agree that kids grow up way to fast. I'm grateful for the time that I've had to be at home with all of my kids. We've done Joy school, playgroups and preschool. All of these have helped my kids and I. They are all so different so not one thing has worked for all. I'm so glad that the co-op is working. What a great feeling!
You're such a good mom!
Isn't it amazing how we're all so different, yet we can still support and encourage and love each other? That's the beauty of families, and learning about each other...we're able to make those fun discoveries of what we each need to make the most out of our days and our times together. I have no idea if we'll decide preschool or what for little man, but I do know that whatever decision is made, it will be the best one for him and for the rest of the family. I am grateful everyday I have this precious opportunity to be able to stay at home and play with my guy!
I'm glad you like the group Kim! Oh, and by the way, you ARE a writer. :)
Love this post. Couldn't agree more, but you knew that already. :)
Ang
Have you considered home schooling? My sister Now has four Kids aged 4 months to 7years and home shcools...
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