Posted by admin | Posted in Mommyhood, hypotonia | Posted on 23-02-2010
Tags: mommy & me, pre-k, preschool, therapy
On top of everything that happened at Mommy & Me today, the teacher also went around the room to talk to all of us about school for next term. This is the second Mommy & Me class we have done. Luke technically should have gone into the “All By Myself” class this time, but he wasn’t allowed because he wasn’t walking. That was ok with me in the end, since I wasn’t comfortable leaving him alone to fend for himself. I am even more worried about that after today’s incident! Luke is already one of the oldest toddlers in our class. His teacher suggested that he do ANOTHER Mommy & Me session after this, then possibly do the All By Myself over the summer session, which would be 2 days a week from 9am-noon. Most of the other moms in the class seem to be stressing over this whole preschool thing and are registering their kids for the fall already!
It’s hard for any mom to leave their child alone for the first time, especially when they have any sort of “issue”. Everyone seems to be so concerned with getting their toddlers into “preschool” at the age of 2. I always thought that traditional preschool started at the age of 3?? I really don’t see what the big deal is, as long as they are learning things at home and being socialized through other classes, groups, storytime etc. Maybe I am just being my paranoid, neurotic self, but I think Luke will be ok if he isn’t in formal school until after his 3rd birthday. He will be starting Kindergarten before I know it, so shouldn’t he (and I) enjoy this time as a toddler? Not to mention, this school is fairly expensive. I would much rather spend the money doing other fun things and therapy options to make sure he is fully caught up by the time he does go to kindergarten, or even pre-k.
Am I making a mountain out of a mole hill here, or do I have a valid point?
I TOTALLY agree w/ you, and even amongst my mommy board of moms w/ “typical” kids, I think there’s a big push lately that maybe we’ve gone overboard on preschools . . . the wait lists, starting so soon, etc. Personally, I plan to keep Sammie w/ her nanny while I work until she’s three . . . I didn’t go to pre-school until I was FOUR and even then only two mornings a week for “socialization” b/c I had a SAHM and she wanted me to have the experience before kindergarten, and I turned out quite fine ;o) And, I’m certain the time that my mom got to spend with me in those years before kindergarten was every bit as valuable as the two mornings a week I spent at pre-school when I was four. I’m envious of the mamas that get that time!
I agree, why the big push for preschool? Some people think it will make their kid more successful if he reads, writes , says the alphabet backwards before the age of 9 months whereas studies show they all even out at the age of 6 no matter what age they were able to read and write at.
Actually its one of the things I hate about having a nontypical child, that we have to do the preschool thing at 3 to get services. If he was typical he would be staying with a nanny until 4 with a class here and there, definitly not getting on a school bus alone at 3, but alas things are not working out the way we planned.
Thank you Allison and Marie Clare! I’m glad I’m not alone in feeling this way. I think they need to be kids and have enough time in school as it is.
Marie, our state also offers the therapy services in a preschool setting at the age of 3. I don’t think we are going to do it though. They do full day, 5 days per week, which is a lot for a 3 year old. We already pay out of pocket for one day of PT per week, so we will stick with that, then see about “regular” preschool after Luke is 3(if he is ready/able..fingers crossed!). That will probably only be part time until he can do Pre-K.
Thanks again Mommies:)
Tilly I am sooooo behind!
You totally have a valid point. I don’t see what all the fuss is about, but then again I never went to preschool and I suppose that’s why I’ve always felt ambivalent about it. (In our case, we do so many learning activities at home already, I have no intention of sending James at all.)
I agree with you about enjoying this time in their lives. It goes by SO quickly. If you’re able to stay home with them, I say why not?
Personally the idea of wait lists, high tuition, and name brand schools gets me so irritated. SO unnecessary for this age group (or any, if I’m being totally honest). There’s a great Montessori preschool here that’s 15k a year. To me that’s just insane. That was a year of college for me! I refuse to pay college prices for preschool.
Some people will argue the socializing aspect, but I think the same thing can be achieved through playgroups/playdates, music classes, etc.
Follow your mommy instinct on this and do what’s in your heart, regardless of whether or not it’s “the norm”.
You are completely right! I think it’s silly to push for early preschool 3 is a better age…and I am a 3rd grade teacher! Of course you are right it’s good to include socializing time of any type but I think it’s ideal to have the parent there for it.