Do I really need to send my son to preschool?

Question

I sent my three year old boy to preschool last year and he hated it. I don't know if it was just that particular preschool or just school in general that he didn't like, but I don't even want to send him this year. He will be four in December and he already knows everything that he need to know to pass kindergarten, and be half done with first grade. He is starting to read and write and knows all the addition and subtraction facts that he can do on his fingers and toes. he doesn't need it for academic reasons and socially, he does just fine with other kids. We go to a lot of play dates and activities at the library and he is with other kids all the time. He says that he just wants to stay home with me and his 16 month old sister, who he gets along with great! Is this ok? I am a child development major in college and I graduate in December. There is nothing that he needs to know that I can't teach him. Do you all think it is ok for me to not send him to preschool this year?

Answer 1

I wouldn't send him since he does so well socially. That's really all you need to look at. He will have to be in school for years to come so let him have one more year of sleeping in, watching TV in his PJ's, playgroups & even having some days to play all day with mom and sis.

Answer 2

Well in your occassaion you don't but it gets your son familar with the system of school

Answer 3

Yes because he needs to learn to get use to school at a early age so he will be use to not being at home everyday.

Answer 4

It sounds like to me he is so far advanced then what the other children in preschool are he may be bored.  I always say it is the parent's call.  Based on what you described he is gettintg a good education at home.  The only concern I would have is that he won't want to go in to kindergarten when he is required to go.  If you can overcome that issue I say do what you feel is most comfortable with.

Answer 5

I would agree that you do not need to send him to preschool.  But I do believe you need to have a regular schedule and activities planned throughout the day so he knows needs to certian activities at certian times of the day.  Good Luck!

Answer 6

Yes. He need to develop more social skills.  He needs to be involved with other children.  He'll be in school some.  Maybe you should investigate new preschools.  You should be able to go to the schools and visit before enrolling and feel comfortable there.  You sound like a loving mother that's just not ready to let go. Understandable. He sounds like a great child and that's because of you.  Let go mom and I'm sure he will become more comfortable in preschool.  It takes time and will turn out fine in the long run.

Answer 7

I wasn't sent to preschool and I've done very well academically and socially

Answer 8

Preschool is mostly for his social skills. If you think there won't be a problem when it comes time for kindergarten don't send him.

Answer 9

Your sons seems to be progressing very well so it's really up to you. My son is like your son. He's very smart for his age. I put my son in preschool because they learn the basics of how a classroom setting will be. Granted you can do that at home too, which I did, but it's a little different when It's a teacher.  I think you should check around for other preschools near you and just see how he likes them.

Answer 10

I don't think that preschool is a necessity for all children.  My older son went to preschool only because he was in special education to get therapy.  He never went to kindergarden just into 1st grade..(kindergarden was not mandatory where I live then) My other son didn't go to preschool at all..just into kindergarden.  My 3 yr old daughter is now in preschool and she is learning some things that I neglected to remember she might need to know at her age (ooops) but mostly she is just picking up on others bad habits and attitudes.  You might save yourself the headache with that and keep him at home.

Answer 11

i think thats perfectally fine if you keep teaching him, it's all up to you.If he doesn't like it wait until kindergarten

but preschool will prepare him for kindergarten easily

Answer 12

Children at this young age have a strong desire to be with their parents.  They have a natural need  to be with adults that take can care of their needs constantly. It is not unusual for a 3 year old to feel this way, nor a 4 year old.   I'm sure as a child development major you've learned that, so feel secure in that knowledge.  If you have plenty of play dates and interaction with people, he should be fine.  You should only begin to worry  if he starts to mistrust people or begins to be aggressive toward others.   Listen to your child!  He will tell you when he is ready, and the more secure he feels, the quicker he will be ready.  And it sounds like he is doing well academically, so just have fun and enjoy each other.  In 10 years, you'll wonder why he doesn't want to spend any time with you.  LOL!

Answer 13

I think it is best you send him to preschool. Not only will he do better in school academically, but he will gain social skills. Which are important for years to come. He may be bright but he need social interaction and young people to relate to. If public school doesnt work, try home school or private school.

Answer 14

If you don't want to send your child to preschool, don't.  He has everything he needs with you and his 16 month old sister.  Beside, you're a child development major in college; so if the child says he doesn't want to go, don't send him.

Answer 15

Keep him home. Enjoy. Don't feel quilty. I could go on and on with reasons why, but I think you "got it" right.  You may not remember, but the Headstart Program began as part of the War on Poverty.  This was meant to give underprivileged children that head start they needed.  Some children do not have food, books, interaction and so on at home due in part to living in poverty.  Then, somehow our society began to think all 4 year olds needed a "head start" and then 3 year olds.  I know about other countries educational systems and we need to remain competitive. I also know that sometimes working Moms need babysitters.  However, when Mom or Dad or Someone can be at home ....  I think in your case.... well, you have permission.  Trust me, it's ok, really. End of discussion. lol

Answer 16

i think that you need to send him...if you keep holding him back when it comes time for you to let go he wont want to you cant keep them sheltered just because you dont want them to be upset ... he will get used to it after going a few times

Answer 17

If you think hes doing fine with out being in preschool, then dont send him. I never went to preschool and i never had any problems when i started going to school. There is no laws that say you have to put your child in preschool.

If you do plan on keeping him home, maybe you could look into finding a playgroup in your area. That way he learns how to make friends. That way when he does start school he isnt shy or anything.

Answer 18

I am a preschool teacher. And from what you are telling me your child is highly advanced for his age. As a teacher our job is to individualize the way we teach to meet the needs of all children. If you feel that their is no need for your child to attend, then so be it. Dont send him. If he dislikes school now and is forced to go he may form a negative outlook on school later in life. Studies show that children who have negative experiences during their first years of school will be more likely to drop out at age 16.