What's the big deal about pre-school?!?!?

Question

My daughter is 4 and she is tall for her age, usually an inch or two taller than my friends kids about the same age... people assume she's at least 5 or 6. I'm not sure why pre-school is a staple now for kids (i never went to pre-school and I graduated in the top 10 of my high school and college) but because I'm not putting my 4 year old in pre-school people make rather rude comments to me. My daughter plays kids her age, I make sure there is "structure" at home (learning letters and numbers) (writing her name and basic math). I'm also putting her in ballet and dance classes this fall... but she won't go to kindergarten until next fall. Some of my friends don't put their kids in pre-school because of the cost and no one b*****s at them... Why me? It's expensive to put a kid in pre-school nowadays.

My big question is... What's the big deal about pre-school?!?!

Answer 1

It teaches them to socialise and be around other children

Answer 2

Well, I guess as long as you're doing all the things you said you are, there really isn't a big deal, and so what if people say things?

You could say something like "Oh, I value the time I have with my daughter, I'm in no rush to send her off to preschool."

I think for most parents though, it gives them a bit of a break, while their children are in a learning environment.

Personally, my son will be going to preschool, because I would enjoy going back to work, and he doesn't get a lot of time with other children.

Answer 3

Mom, if icould keep my baby home with me I would. My 3.4 year old had been a stay at home baby up until two weeks ago, when she started preschool/daycare.

If Idid not have to work, I would have her home with me. My toddler seems to love it now.

Preschool is not needed, it's your own choice, most parents decide to keep their kids at home until age 7, some decided to keep them in untill kindergarten.

You seem to be raising your little one at home just fine.

I guess people just get the impression that kids who stay at home are sheltered. When I decided to stay at home with my baby, I caught a lot of flack (from people who just needed to mind their business.)

Don't worry mom, keep your daughter at home until you are ready okay? Don't worry about other people, you are her mom, you know best.

Answer 4

There is no big deal about preschool.  I have worked in childcare for 10 years, and preschool is the same thing as daycare.  It's essentially a place where parents put their children while they are at work.  Or, for stay at home moms/dads, it's a place they bring their children a couple of days a week so their child can socialize with other children and adjust to a somewhat structured environmen and be in a learning environment.

Preschools have their advantages, but there is no "big deal" about them.  It's entirely a personal choice and if you are not working, it would seem silly to pay for it if you don't want your child there.  

Studies have shown that children who attended daycare/preschool are much better in kindergarden in terms of writing their names, letters, etc. and in overall social adjustment.  And if you talk to any kindergarden teacher, they will tell you the same thing.

Answer 5

It's a scam, yet another thing that private companies convince everyone you must buy, lest your child turn into a leprous moron.  None of it's true, of course - no one asks where you went to preschool when you're making your college applications.  And kids your daughter's age should be busy being little kids anyway.  All I learned in preschool was that kids are generally mean, and I could've waited a year to learn that.

Answer 6

sounds like you are doing ok at home. preschool unless it is like kindergarten and part of the school system then they dont really need to go.

she is getting mental stimulation and the dance classes are teaching social skills as well.

dont worry about what others think.

Answer 7

There isn't a big deal so to speak.  Pre-school helps prepare kids for real school though through socializing, teaching sharing and listening skills, how to deal with other kids and other authority figures.  My kids loved it and it got them used to attending a structured environment.

Answer 8

I think preschool is good for some kids but not all.  I am putting my 3 year old in preschool so he can play with kids his own age because everyone I know there kids are older.  It sounds like your daughter is getting everything she needs at home so I would not send her.  For the people making comments just ignore them or tell them thanks for your opinion, but I am going to do what I think is best for my child.