How important is it to have your child in some kind of class

Question

i have a 3 1/2 yr old and 18 month old and i am a stay hm mom i dont have the kids in any kind of program but i dont have the money to do that anyways at this time, how many of you have your kids in something...my friend has her 2 yr old in moms day out and now is getting her into dance and sports. Is this neccesary or would you rather spend money on kids clothes and at home activities or whatever

Answer 1

We didn't put the kids in regular preschool, but they did go to a couple of park district sponsored classes, every year, over the course of their preschool years.  They didn't do daycare, either - home with mom or dad almost all of the time.

They did fine, socially & behaviorally, once they got to kindergarten.  

Check out your local park district & library for inexpensive (or free!) classes that your kids can take, just to get them out there experiencing other things & other people.  

Answer 2

My wife is a stay at home mom, my son just turned 4 last week.  We enrolled him in preschool about 6 months ago, and found he was advancing more at home...and picking up bad habits(and sickness) from the kids at school(most of whom are there from 6 to 6).  His peers were not as smart and behaved, so we took him out of school so his education wouldn't slow down.  I believe you're children have the advantage.  At this age, spend the money on clothes, and museums, and that fun stuff...Teachers are great, but they're only a substitute for mommy!

Answer 3

Save your money girl, those kids want to play with you. You go to Walmart and get some summer toys like the big baseball bat or a couple balls and kick them around with the kids. Get some finger paint or get some chocolate instant pudding and construction paper and let all of you have fun with it at the table. non toxic, (pudding is edible) and easy to clean up. Yeah, you want/need a  break from the kids every so often but you can ask a friend or family to watch them for awhile while you go recharge. Spend money on clothes and your kids.

Answer 4

I understand that there are alot of pricy places out there but, im more than sure that there are cheap places out there.

My mom always had me into piano classes and ballet classes.

Til this day I thank her for them because I can play the piano to any song. I learned how to play a song just by listening to it on the radio.

I really think its important for any parent to get their kids into things, because the kids that never get into doing anything usually end up at home playing video games the whole time and not getting out to do things.

It also keeps them entertained and it helps them learn to socialize.

I think getting kids into different programs and activities is such an important part in their lives. Who knows, you can probably help them find their true talents.

Answer 5

When they were, son (3) and daughter(2), i brang them to one program of mommy and me just to meet other moms.  At this age it benefits the mom to meet other moms with kids the same age.  Children really just play side by side.  

Otherwise I brought them to the library, the park, zoo, museums.  Barnes & Nobles or Borders sometimes have guest readers or a reading time.  Check out some of your local bookstores for reading time.  The county parks and recreations usually have programs that are low cost or even free.  

Its important to be able to provide the basics like clothing, food and rent or mortgage first.  At this age "classes" do not override the importance of the prior.    

Answer 6

no lol that stuff is a wast of time

as for sports and stuff not till like 6-8+ cuz seriously what are you going to expect from a 3 yr old not like hes gona hita homerun or anything so save your money

school doesnt even matter until like 3rd grade

Answer 7

I think it's important to socialize children but it doesn't have to cost anything.  Take them to a local park/playground where there are other children.  Check out your local community activities.  Arrange play dates with other families.  We did at one time have our 3 yr old in gymnastics but it was expensive.  The only thing we have planned now is preschool in the fall.

Answer 8

It is not necessary and at 3 1/2 I think it is a big waste of money.  As long as you spend time with your kids, there is no need for organized activities.  If you are worried about them being with other kids, take them to the park.  Kids can start nieghborhood sports at 4-5 if you are interested in that, and it doesn't cost much.  You have plenty of time for enjoying them at home. FYI- my nephew was in competative gymnastics and when my sister asked about money they coach said "we have 4 yr old tumbling classes that pay for our competitors to go away and compete" So even the schools think its a joke.  Just a money maker for them.

Answer 9

Parents that put their kids in Daycare always say it is best for the kids. It is not. It is best for the parents. Keep your kids with you, read to them, love them, make them feel special. Your 3 1/2 year old should have a play mate about the same age so the child learns to share and get along with others. Find a friend for her to come over several afternoons a week. My Mom didn't put me in Daycare and I turned out great! Don't let them bully you. They are jealous you are a "stay at home" Mom. (The hardest job in the world!)

Answer 10

It isn't necessary but it can be a fun outlet and a good way for a SAHM to meet other moms.  A lot of churches have play groups or mom's groups that meet regularly that are free or a very small cost.  Library is also a good source for story time and many mom's clubs are around that just meet at a member's house each week.  

But to caution you, when they get to school age, with nearly everyone participating in something, your kids probably will want to be doing something.  I do think it helps them stay active and helps them make a wider circle of friends  

Answer 11

You can work with children that age on your own.

Practice counting

Sing the ABC's

Write their names on plastic placemats to help them learn how to spell their names

go to a craft store a buy simple crafts to do.

there are lot of thing you can do with young children without spending lots of money

Answer 12

well, putting your kids in programs can be really great!

i've been in pretty much every activity there is.

examples being: soccer, dance, gymnastics, martial arts & loads more!

your kids are still young so they don't need to be in a program.

especially if you can't afford it.

you could always just buy a dance video for your kids to dance to or buy a soccer ball & play with them in your backyard.

when they are older & develop specific interests you can put them into programs.

depending on what it is it can help them socially, mentally, & physically.

& there are probably plenty of activitie / programs that would give you a discount!

for now, i'm sure they are just happy to spend time & play with you!

:]

good luck!

Answer 13

What is really important is that your kids are socialized when it comes time for school, and not just with each other. There is  no reason you have to spend a lot of money on this. Start a play group, or meet other parents at the park.

Answer 14

Check into your public library. Most have activities that do not cost anything, and your little ones can socialize and also check out their own books and videos.

Answer 15

Honestly, if you really can't afford it, that's your answer. Some things are just more important. My parents were not able to afford things like that either and I turned out pretty good (now married, expecting my own child, have a good job and a Master's degree). But it is good to have your children socializing. Look and see if your county offers programs. I work for our county and we offer TONS of programs for children, all of which are much cheaper than going to some private place. It'll be more cost effective for you, and the kids will have some social time.

Answer 16

you should definently get them in something.

there are lots of thing [like ballet or karate]

that you have to start when your little.

i wish my mom would have put me in something when i was little...

but she "didnt have the money for it" either.

Answer 17

im not a mom but i have 4 siblings. if you choose to enroll your children in anything.. its a plus. but my mother didn't enroll any of my siblings in any programs and we turned out just fine. me and my siblings get good grades in school. if you want your children to be smarter or more interactive with others, then enroll them. but be sure to get them enrolled in a preschool.