Will my son be at a disadvantage if he doesn't go to preschool?

Question

Will my son be at a disadvantage if he doesn't go to preschool? My wife is a stay at home mom with my oldest son, 4, and my youngest son, 10 monthes. My oldest son will not be old enough for kindergarten this year, so we were looking at placing him in a preschool.

The town we live in has a federally funded preschool if your kid meeted the criteria. Our son did not, as he passed the test required to be prepared for kindergarten. We are looking at sending him to a preschool that goes 3 days a week for a half day.

Our son has been in daycares and preschools since he was born, and just recently has been able to stay at home, since my youngest son has been born. I am a little apprehensive about sending him to preschool, as I feel that it may not help him very much.

We currently go to church twice a week, where he plays with other kids, we constantly get him involved in sports, and invite friends over. What do you think? Will our son miss out by not going to preschool?

Answer 1

No, plain and simple

Answer 2

It sounds like your son is getting a lot of socialization since he is involved in other activities- good job!  And since he passed the test for kindergarten prep, it sounds like he is academically well-off too.  In that respect, I don't think he will be at a disadvantage if he stays home with you.  

Just to play devil's advocate, I thought of some possible downsides to keeping him home.  First, children have a very different perception of time than we do, because they are so young.  Ten minutes for us flies by, but for them, it seems like forever!  So imagine how long a year feels to a child when he is not immersed in a school environment.  He might not remember what it's like and have difficulty readjusting next year in kindergarten.  Also, he might become very attached to you.  He might get used to being with mom and dad and have trouble separating when the time comes.  The arrival of a new baby always changes things, so you might be more involved with the baby and have less time to spend with your son engaging him in play and academic activities.  I'm definitely not saying that these things will happen or that you will ignore your son because it sounds like you're doing a great job; I'm just offering some possibilities.  

I don't think he will be at a disadvantage, but I also don't think it will hurt if he goes.  He might really enjoy spending time with you at home (I often see that children don't spend enough time with their parents and that puts them at a real disadvantage!), or he could miss school.  It's really up to you.  You know your child best and what is good for him.  Good luck with your decision!

Answer 3

I don't think you need to send him. Let your wife enjoy one more year at home with her little baby before he has to go off to big boy school. He won't benefit, he's already ready for kindergarten, and he's done that stuff before.

Enjoy him while you can!

Answer 4

No. He's already well rounded, plus he's had the school experience already.

Answer 5

no, he will not be at a disadvantage. i have two girls 10 and 6 and my youngest met the criteria and was able to go to preschool (federally funded also). but my oldest did not. they both are smart and  right on schedule. as long as your wife still works with him at home on his abc's and numbers, etc...he should be  just fine. you are also well involved in the communuity and when they're that young, that's very good for them to be socially involved and learn from other people the do's and don'ts...among other things. read to him every night before bedtime! let him follow along with the words as you or your wife reads. let him read to you and when he misses a word, don't correct him, just re read the page and show him after he's read it. they retain this information and begin to develop these skills early. it's the same as preschool. he's also in a class for three half days, so he's getting plenty of brain exercise. don't worry, he should be fine, but i don't think he's missing out on anything. good luck

Answer 6

So much of what was expected in first grade has now spiraled down.  There is so much that children are expected to know already when they reach school.  Many states have four year old programs for everyone...to help the children arrive to school on a more level playing field.  It sounds like you have many of those areas already covered...but as a teacher, not knowing you at all, I would ask that you ask yourself....what would it hurt to have him in preschool?  He will have developmentally appropriate school activities with children his own age.  In addition, he will have social interaction with children in a school setting...so different than social interaction at a daycare, or even church school.  Also, since he is already "ahead" in many others, he will be given a time where he can "shine" and be a great role model for others.  This will start a feeling in him that  will instill the belief in seeing himself as a leader.  Having a great feeling about school because you have a great feeling about yourself as a student is a wonderful way to begin the process!  And any good teacher, even in preschool, will take your child where they are when they come in and move them forward.  They may be able to help in some developmental areas that you, as parents, are not even aware of...such as working with others, or listening in a group.

Hopefully you could find a preschool that would give him this structure three mornings a week...or one where he could have the best of both worlds by having time "at school" with the big kids, and also time at home with mommy and baby brother.

Whatever you choose, it sounds like this kiddo has a loving family with two parents that really care about his progress...so he has a leg up!

Answer 7

I think he will be fine.

Answer 8

I think you should try out preschool or look into it more. I doubt it will be a big deal if he doesn't go, but I'm sure you want the best for your son. Most preschools are just playtime and  naptime. If you can find one that actually helps him learn something then you should try it for a little while. Good luck! :)