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The Kindergarten Schedule Is Completely Nonsensical
As a mom who toggles between being a stay-at-home parent and working outside the home, I often find myself frustrated by the demands of both worlds. I freelance, which means I’m part of that unpredictable gig economy—sometimes it feels like I’m just trying to keep my head above water. The first four years with my kids were mostly spent at home, which had its sweet moments, but let’s be real—there were downsides too, like the never-ending lack of adult interaction and, oh, the financial strain. I found myself babbling about grammar to my baby, asking, “Do you know what a dangling modifier is?” But scheduling was a breeze back then: if it had to do with kids, I handled it. My partner went off to work, and I took care of all the playdates, doctor visits, and classes. Easy peasy.
Now, though, my oldest is in kindergarten, and I’m in a busy work phase, and it’s pure chaos. The kindergarten schedule is just ridiculous. Seriously, who thought an end time of 2:30 p.m. was a good idea? That’s right when my younger kid takes his nap, so I’m left lugging around a sleepy toddler—he’s a hefty little guy when he’s out like a light! I feel like I’m trying to channel Holly Hunter lifting John Candy in a movie scene.
I get it, though—my toddler’s naptime isn’t the school’s problem. But if they really wanted to accommodate stay-at-home parents, wouldn’t it make sense to end the school day around noon? Five-year-olds need a rest after lunch anyway, and that seems like a natural break.
But let’s not forget about working parents. What kind of lawyer, nurse, or janitor can just clock out at 1:30 p.m. to pick up their child? If I’m trying to book a gig, I have to say I’m only available from about 9:30 to 1:30, which really narrows down my job options.
And you might say, “But what about after-school programs?” Well, the day ends at 2:30, and the after-school pick-up is at 5:30. That’s a big three-hour gap to fill! The after-school activities are about an hour long, and then the kids just hang out at school. It turns into a glorified holding pen.
Speaking of which, the schedule is also unfair to the kindergartners. They’re in school for six hours but only get one recess period. If the weather doesn’t cooperate (which is pretty common in the northeast), they end up watching movies instead of getting to play. Research shows that kids learn best through play, and I worry my son is spending too much time sitting still. Pediatric occupational therapist, Sarah Lee, points out that pushing young children into academics too early can hinder their physical and social development. She emphasizes the importance of allowing them to run and explore, especially outdoors.
Now my husband and I are navigating a color-coded shared calendar to keep track of who’s working more, who’s picking up, and when our part-time babysitters are available. I’m constantly questioning if my son is getting enough rest and exercise. Is that after-school class on cupcake decorating really worth it? And can I squeeze in some extra time to play outside with him?
It’s a juggling act that feels impossible, and honestly, none of us seem to be coming out on top. Any system in which no one wins is, well, totally nonsensical.
If you’re eager to dive deeper into parenting topics, check out this post on home insemination for more insights. And for those interested in pregnancy resources, this is an excellent resource to explore.
Summary
The current kindergarten schedule poses significant challenges for both parents and children, creating a chaotic situation for families juggling work and childcare. The timing is inconvenient, leaving parents scrambling and affecting children’s play and learning opportunities. Finding balance in this hectic routine is tough, and the existing system seems flawed.