She is going to be 4 in April. I have heard from some people that I should definantely start her now, while others say that you only get to be a kid once and starting pre-school takes part of that away because it causes the child to have to be responsible and stuff when they should just be playing. I am so lucky that I get to stay home with her, so I dont have to send her if I dont think she's ready yet. I took her for a few days to a near by pre-school for 3 days just to see how she liked it. She cried so much when I was leaving, it was heartbreaking! I noticed that the other kids didnt cry, even those who were brand new to the school like her. So I dont know if I should give it a couple more months or if I should stick with it. Thanks!
2007-02-02 21:16:44 · 9 answers · asked by ashi 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
I started pre-school when I was 3 and I loved every minute of it.. I was scared at first but I befriended many people, including my best friend who I still talk to today... and I'm almost 20!
I cried alot when my mom left too.. every day, every time, I was just an emotional person and I still am, and I remember being afraid that my mom would never come back... stick with it.. you learn so much, and you start learning social skills too! Its great!! It's definitely worth it in the long-run. Think of how many friends she'll be making!
Just sit down with her and tell her what time you'll be back and that you'll always come back for her. :-)
2007-02-02 21:21:07 · answer #1 · answered by Rae-Rae Nikkoles <3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At 4 she is probably ready for preschool. It gives her a chance to meet "friends" her own age and to interact with adults who are not her parents. Also it will give her some independance....all things she will need when she goes to elementary school.
Most kids feel a bit anxious about starting school and many will cry...and it is heartbreaking...but how you handle it as a Mom is key. Tell her not to worry that you will be back and point out some of the great and fun things she will get to do. Then a kiss and a hug...hand her off to the teacher and walk out...no looking back. If you leave giving her the impression that she will be fine and there is nothing to worry about then it is easier on her. If on the other hand you are leaving and acting and sounding worried then she will think there is something to worry about. The important thing to remember is that what the teachers say is true...withing about 5 minutes she will be playing and having a great time.
I have taught nursery school for about 15 years and I can tell you that most children by the age of 4 know what buttons to push with their parents. I have seen kids that give their mothers a really hard time when leaving...then have a great time once they are gone...then go back to crying and being miserable once they see Mom come back...then ask for McDonalds for lunch on the way to the car (guilting Mom because they have had such a bad day!). Anyway....you know your daughter best...just try to make the decision based on what is best for her...not you. It is a big thing you handing some care and responsiblility for your daughter off to others...make sure you can handle it then worry about helping her make the transition.
Good luck
2007-02-02 21:47:49 · answer #2 · answered by cookie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are looking into the same thing for my niece right now. I do home daycare so she is with me everyday while her mom is at work. We want to get her into preschool a couple of days a week so she can get used to being around other adults to. In my opinion I would rather do it where you have the opportunity to take her just a couple of days instead of waiting for them to start Kindergarten and have a complete change with being away everyday for a period of time. You could always start real small and only have her go a couple hours a few days until she gets used to it. She will really enjoy being with other children her age and most preschools allow plenty of play time along with activities. You should be able to get a daily schedule from a center to find out what they do throughout the day. More than likely a lot of her crying is because she is used to being with you all the time. She would just need to learn that there are others that will help her out if needed. In my opinion I would send her.
2007-02-03 03:41:16 · answer #3 · answered by chris l 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My 4 year old loves pre school. I stay at home, but I've let all my kids do preschool. For me, the biggest things are social interaction and learning how to listen to an adult that isn't their parent. She loves to learn and enjoys going each day. For us its been a very positive experience. My kids were also much better prepared for Kindergarten. They went happily and excited that first day, instead of crying and clingy. As for her crying, its an adjustment. If you've not left her before, you need to give her time to learn you'll come back each day. You might also want to volunteer a few times in the class and see how she does during the day with you there. I think you should give her longer to adjust before taking her out of the class.
2007-02-02 21:37:08 · answer #4 · answered by Velken 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sweetie, she probably cried because it was a new situation to her. I think that those other children who didn't cry were probably used to being left with different people anyway.
Stick with it, your baby will make friends in no time. I know it's hard to to, but this is part of motherhood.
A good quote I heard once was that being a parent involves learning how to let go and hold on at the same time...you have to let your babe go to preschool, she'll have a blast when the nerves wear off :)
2007-02-02 21:27:12 · answer #5 · answered by ♥Pamela♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I started my three year old in pre school this year. She cried for the first ten minutes after I left her on the first day. Now she cried when it snows and "school" is closed and she cries when it's time to come home. But my daughter is also outgoing and gregarious. Some kids aren't and it will take them longer to acclimate to this new situation. Maybe it would better to do this now, before real school begins, so that when the first day of kindergarten comes, it will be less traumatic for you both.
You know your daughter better than any one. Try to ignore your own needs and fears and do what's best for her. Easier said than done, I know!
Good luck to you both!
2007-02-02 22:05:01 · answer #6 · answered by kelly24592 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think you should put her in a pre school! just because it will get her ready for kindergarden and to learn to be a little more independant...i know its sad to leave her while she is crying..but its a transition she is going threw...shes not used to it...i work in a day care soo i deal with that alot...just make sure you do some research of the school thats she going to and make sure its a good and safe enviroment for you and her! the reason why the other kids probably dont cry is because they have been there for a while and is used to the surroundings! i hope this helps you! good luck!
2007-02-02 21:38:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you enjoy having her at home & she is happy then do what feels best for you. It is completely normal though for children who have not been seperated from their mother very much to have separation anxiety when they are introduced to new situations, but they always do & will get over it & should enjoy the social/learning time they have on their own.
2007-02-02 23:02:55 · answer #8 · answered by Mishell 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stick with your child its only this once you will have her at this age she is learning each day about life especially how much her mum loves her.
2007-02-02 22:00:58 · answer #9 · answered by burning brightly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋