Why I’m Not Enrolling My Son in Preschool

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You know that question everyone loves to ask? “Is he in school yet?” I’ve been hearing it ever since my little guy could walk. It comes from all sides: park moms, curious nannies, and even distant relatives. What’s with the obsession over whether my toddler is heading to preschool?

Honestly, I don’t have strong feelings about preschool one way or the other. I totally understand that for many families, full-day preschool is a necessity due to work commitments. And I know some parents find it too pricey to consider. While preschool can be a blast for kids and a nice breather for parents, I can’t help but question the assumption that toddlers need formal schooling to succeed later on.

So, why the rush into a school setting?

Is there something I’m missing? Some preschool programs try to entice parents with promises of an educational environment for their little ones. When my older son, Max, attended preschool, they even provided progress reports and milestones at the end of the year. I call total nonsense on that.

What exactly is a toddler supposed to do all day? They could be exploring the yard for ants and pinching them—science in action! Or running around counting dandelions—math! Rummaging through books until they find the one with the big red truck—reading!

I’m all for teaching my kids, and when they show an interest, I’m happy to introduce shapes, letters, and numbers. But not every child is ready for formal learning at an early age, and that’s perfectly fine too. I’ve spent time in rooms full of little ones, and let me tell you, when they’re all squirming and tossing plastic food at each other, not much learning is happening! The best learning at that age often comes from one-on-one interactions or simply through play.

Alternatives to Preschool

Preschool can be a great way for kids to learn social skills, but it’s not the only option. Playdates serve the same purpose, and children discover so much just by exploring their surroundings, being read to, or having the freedom to soak in their environment.

Fortunately, I have the privilege of being a mostly stay-at-home mom, so I can take my time with schooling. My son, Jake, will turn three this fall, and I opted not to enroll him in preschool. He just doesn’t seem ready yet (plus, he’s a bit younger than Max was when he started). We’ll keep busy with activities involving other kids, and I’ll definitely need some breaks to maintain my sanity (thanks, Aunt Lisa!).

The Value of Unstructured Time

What I truly value is the freedom that unstructured time gives him. I want to watch him learn in his own way and at his own pace. If he shows interest, I’ll introduce him to letters and numbers. I’ll also teach him about kindness, love, and friendship.

If he expresses interest later on and it fits our budget, I might consider enrolling him in preschool. But I won’t force it, and I’ll have realistic expectations about what it offers. Preschool can be enriching, but it’s completely optional. Kids can learn, discover, and play without stepping into a classroom, and I wish more people would recognize the many wonderful ways children can grow.

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Summary

In this article, a mom reflects on her decision not to send her son to preschool, questioning societal pressure around early education. She values unstructured play and learning at home, believing that children can thrive outside of formal schooling.