Is my 3yr old stressed out?

Question

my son is 3yr old, currently enrolled in a preschool, attends KUMON(math) 3 times a week and since summer is near i'm planning to enroll him in a 1.) swimming class, 2.)a tutor for chinese language, 3.) a reading class, 4.) an advance class to prepare for him for the big school...am i over doing it?

Answer 1

That's quite a lot.

If he really enjoys kumon, let him but don't push him.

-Swimming class is necessary.

-Tutor for Chinese, should only be actively fun for his age. Please don't confine him to a desk!

-A Reading class is really not necessary. He will only follow through with learning to read if YOU or someone he loves takes the time to read with him. At age 3, he'll be on a steady track to reading, even if YOU only have the time to read ONE bedtime story a night!
If he wants to learn how to read, he will want someone he loves to teach him. Five year old kindergarteners are drilled on reading 3 letter words, if he's in a Reading Class now he'll become bored and uninterested when he gets to Kindergarten.

-Advance-Preparation Class is unnecessary. In Kindergarten, they are making paper finger-puppets, other crafts, singing the alphabet, getting to the bathroom in time, listening, walking in line, asking questions, following directions, possibly a naptime, definitely a play-outside time and an indoor-centers with free-play time, lunch, possible snacks, socializing, simple problem solving, handwriting practice, drawing alphabet-book-pages, singing songs, show-n-tell, line-leader, washing hands, identifying shapes and colors and letters, simply describing things, telling the class in circle time "this weekend, my mom and me...", circle-time for the teacher to read them a book, puzzles, counting, gluing, laughing...only a few steps from what they had to do in preschool.
He will also enjoy it more, as YOU teach him handwriting.
If he can write his name clearly on the first day of Big School, he'll be more than fine!

Hope this helps you worry less!

Answer 2

Probably not ... but if you plan to enroll him in a summer program, I think it would be better if it were something fun like swimming, skating, soccer. Focus on gross motor skills and most important, on social skills with children with his own age (I'm assuming he's an only child).
Please don't enroll him in a reading class or whatever advance classes you have in mind unless he's ready. Also, children will naturally learn these things anyway so why spend extra money on it?
However, the best is to spend time with your child. On the upside, it's FREE. You can just go to the park or stay at home playing games, cooking, arts, just as long as it's not watching TV.

Answer 3

Well, I think there's a few points. 1. If your son does have a medical issue and you don't address it, you're denying him what he needs. I know it's hard to accept he might not be medically ok but isn't his happiness more important? 2. It does sound like terrible 2s. Why not just see what happens when he's 3 if you don't believe it? If he changes (or doesn't change), atleast you'll know. 3. Why not let the baby sleep with you while the room is being painted? It's obvious that your son can't be left alone with the baby... can you live with yourself if something bad happens? 4. It's a little hard to channel his anger at 2 and it's hard to get him into sports at 2. Maybe you can have him be active by running around moer and whatever else 2 year olds do. Good Luck!

Answer 4

I am a professional working with preschool children and I have one of my own. I would say this is definitely over doing it. It is ok to expose your preschooler to different activities to see what he is interested in, however there must be enough time for creativity and family time. I have never heard of a 3 yr old working on math. Their minds aren't developmentally ready for some of the things you are signing him up for. If you don't give him adequate time to complete the developmental tasks OF HIS AGE then he could have delays...no matter how bright or how much math he can do.

Answer 5

Do you know the attention span of a average 3 year old is 5 to 10 minutes long. I'd be stressed out on your schedule. Are you preparing him for college? How about allowing him to play, that's the most effective way to learn at this age. Meeting kid's his own age.

Answer 6

WHEW!!! That line-up makes me tired just reading it. I work with 3 year olds and believe me they can get stressed if their activities or environment gets hectic. A GOOD preschool program should involve activities related to math, reading, ethnic/muticultural and physical. I think the chinese language is great if done in a fun setting of learning. At 3 years of age, children should be know that learning can be fun. In fact, it is a proven fact that children learn through play if in the right envirionment. Our center has a literacy program that is done during the school year and we provide transportation to swim lessons for the older children. Remember, what ever you decide for your child---listen to him/her. If they appear to be frustrated or express feelings of failure, drop back on the activities. Children need to be children for at least a few years of their life.

Answer 7

I think a 3 year old is only capable of doing so much.I think it is very important for a kid to just be a kid.But if the child has too many responsibilities they may become overwhelmed and rebel against doing anything at all.Maybe learning Chinese and swimming lessons would be a good start,but anything else might just be too much.It is alot easier for them to learn another languange before the age of five and learning to swim might just save their life one day.So those two are a really good idea.You sound like a really good parent who loves their child very much,you should be proud of yourself.

Answer 8

Too much for you and your son. Enjoy this time with him. Your reading class and advance class are not necessary. I think it is wonderful that you are willing to take an active part in helping him shine. But, you don't want him to be over exposed and bored in the primary public school he will attend. If he becomes bored he may act out. Thus, counteracting your efforts to help him succeed. Please keep in mind that professionals do not label young children gifted and talented and that most schools do not like to allow children to jump grades (due to social maturity).

Answer 9

Wow...i would say yes. The most important thing in a toddler's life is down time. They need time for themselves where they can just be kids. Anyone who says kids do not feel stress are lying. If they don't feel it now they will in the future when they try to remember what their childhood was like. Take it slow. Ease into things, and let him/her do things at their own pace, otherwise, this will all be useless.

Answer 10

He is only a child once! You are really over doing it. These classes you put him in take away time for him to play, and that is the real way children learn. I feel so sorry for your child. I hope you change your mind and decide to let him be a kid and learn how to be creative and develop social skills.