Preschool Already?? -

Preschool Already??

I was wondering when is the right age to put my son in preschool? I've talked to some other moms who also have children who will be turning two in the next couple of months and they are already going or on some waiting list. I thought a child went to preschool right before kindergarden!! Not at two! Am I wrong?

Written by connie

Posted on 02/08/2008

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Answers:

Lately it seems like so many parents are becoming competitive where their children are concerned. There is a lot of pressure to push children into academics earlier and earlier. Traditionally preschool was just for the year before kindergarten and was to teach children to play well with others and follow a routine. Now they are learning letters, numbers, shapes and colors at 2, in academic settings. Some people even have tutors for their preschoolers.

It is not necessary to get caught up in all of this pressure. Personally I hope it is a trend that passes soon. Children who are taught academic concepts seem to have an edge in kindergarten, but then level off with their peers after that. What is the point of pushing them so hard for no real benefit? I say let them be children for as long as they can.

It is perfectly fine to wait until the year before kindergarten to start preschool if that is what you want to do. In the meantime, for socialization just take your son to playdates, or story time at the library once in a while. No need to try to 'keep up with the Jones.'

posted by Marcia on 02/09/2008

There are a number of studies out there that show that preschool is actually harmful to a child's social development, in addition to not providing long term academic advantage. Kids need to be kids. A interesting site to check out is universalpreschool.com

posted by Indigo Ottyr on 02/09/2008

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