At what age is best to start a child in preschool to get proper social interaction?

Question

This may be an issue when I take my son's father to court to get my son into preschool, instead of staying at home all day. Any advice, links to professionals, links to articles is very much appreciated!

Answer 1

Earlier the better. I run a daycare / learning center~ and I see different kids who have different social skills. But, generally, the earlier the child learns to socialize with other kids, the brighter and more responsible the child becomes. Socializing also helps with the child's speaking and communication skills, which is related to language development. I would recommend 3 yrs at the latest ~ but as early as 1. There are a lot of infant development centers these days.

Answer 2

I have a 2 year old at home now so I am speaking from experience as a stay at home mom and before that a pre-school teacher. I feel that age 3 is the perfect time to start. By then your child should be potty trained, so you don't need to worry about someone else handling that. They also have more of a vocabulary so that they can tell you if something is wrong, which I feel is extremely important. And most of all the child needs time away from mom/dad to build those social skills that are oh so important in society today. This is great opportunity for your child to learn about sharing, development of verbal skills, exposure to numerous educational experience and basic what's expected of you in a school setting so when they do start Kindergarten they are prepared. Being over prepared is even better nowadays b/c school curriculums are changing so much and are starting in Kindergarten. Hope this helps!
Here are some links that have a wealth of info that you can read up on: http://parentcenter.babycenter.com/preschooler/ppreschool/index#pschoolreadyBkmk, http://parents.berkeley.edu/advice/school/preschool.html,

Answer 3

The typical age is 3... This is when they are potty trained and can focus for a longer period of time etc... You dont have to do preschool if you dont want to. If you are just looking for social interaction, you can try different playgroups that meet a few times a week. If you are looking at a more educational aspect, there are preschools that go a few hrs a morning each day or a few times a week. Then there are some longer ones that can range up to 12 hrs a day... if you have to work. I personally think that this is WAY too long,,, but some parents need the care...

I have worked in daycares/preschools on and off for the last 7 yrs. I have found that the older the child is, the harder it is to get them to let go of the parent. Usually the younger the child, the easier it is to establish a consistant routine.

Then there is an arguement of bonding and what you want to teach them as a parent. Some feel its important to stay home as long as possible. Others are trying to get rid of their child for a few hrs a day at a few weeks old.

You have to base it on your child and their/your needs.

All in all, Id have to say 3...

Answer 4

Sorry, but not all children need preschool. I doubt a court is going to require you to do anything outside of the legal education requirements. If you are worried about his social interaction, look for mommy & me classes. Plus, if you go to those classes with him, daddy may see that you are serious about his socialization, may see the benefits and then willingly comply to pre-school vs. a courtroom hassle. Do you need alone time? Don't feel guilty about doing that, get a sitter. Do you need childcare so you can get a job? Who has legal custody of the child? That person is can make that decision without the other parent.


IMO: The best place for him is with his parent(s).

Answer 5

It really depends on the child, but most pre-school programs start at 3 and then go on to 4 year programs, then after that of course is Kindergarten. In our area (Pennsylvania) almost all of the pre-school programs start at 3, but I'm sure it varies state-to-state. If the child is around other children (cousins, etc.) and is being taught ABC's and 123's at home, then it's not so critical. I've also heard (although both of my sons attended pre-school) that it's not necessary to pre-school children. I suppose it may not be necesssary, so to speak, but I do believe it's a good experience for children and teaches them more than just education, like getting along with others. As for links, I don't really have any, but if you just do a few Internet searches, I think you will pick up a lot of information. Plus, check with your local churches-almost all of them in our area run pre-school programs (ours included). Good luck-I know you have your son's best interests at heart!

Answer 6

I don't have your answer but I want to leave you with a question. Plenty of children do well scholastically, professionally, financially, socially and are in top health - they were all home schooled. How did the turn out so fine without outside preschool?

Answer 7

No more than 2 years before they start Kindergarten. I think one year of preschool is good for most kids but a lot of kids can benefit from 2 years!

Answer 8

preschool is not the only way to socialize a child.
Take him to the park, to play groups etc.
Preschool teaches children everything you can teach him.
And socialization gets you out of the house too.
Don't pay all that money with the excuse of "socializing." It's preposterous.

Answer 9

I would certainly agree that preschool can help with social interaction amongst his or her peers. It helps to practice sharing, waiting one's turn in line, communicating and getting more accustomed to the learning school environment. You go mom, for wanting to have your son have the best education and learning background :)

Answer 10

3 and potty trained? Go for it. Anymore preschool is what Kindergarten used to be.