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The Kindergarten Schedule Is Complete Nonsense
As a mom who toggles between staying at home and working outside, I often find myself grumbling about both sides of the parenting spectrum. My freelance gigs put me squarely in the “gig economy,” which is a bit of a mixed bag—some work by choice, and some just comes with the territory of writing and editing. For the first four years of being a parent, I was mostly at home, enjoying the sweetness of those early days. But let’s be real: it also came with its own set of challenges, like the constant shortage of cash and adult conversations. (I remember leaning over my baby and musically asking, “Do you know what a dangling modifier is, my little love? Does Mama’s widdle baby understand passive voice?”)
But now that my oldest is in kindergarten while I’m trying to juggle work, chaos reigns supreme. The main culprit? The kindergarten schedule is just plain ridiculous.
Seriously, a 2:30 dismissal? That’s no help to anyone! It’s smack dab in the middle of my younger child’s nap time, which means I have to haul a heavy, half-asleep toddler out the door. It’s like trying to lift a sleeping bear; I feel like I’m channeling Holly Hunter with John Candy in a rescue scenario!
Sure, I get that the school system isn’t responsible for my little one’s nap schedule—but if they aimed to accommodate stay-at-home parents, the day would end at noon. Five-year-olds still need to recharge after lunch, and that would be the perfect time for a natural break.
And let’s not forget about working parents. Who can realistically clock out at 1:30 to make it to pick up their kid? If I want to take on freelance work, I’m stuck telling potential clients that I’m available from about 9:30 to 1:30, really limiting my options.
Now, you might mention after-school programs, but here’s the kicker: the school day ends at 2:30, and pick-up for those programs isn’t until 5:30. So we’ve got this awkward three-hour gap—what’s a parent to do? At our school, the kids only have an hour of organized activities. The rest of the time? They’re just hanging out. It’s basically a glorified waiting room.
And let’s talk about the kiddos themselves! Even with six hours of school, they only get one recess period. When the weather doesn’t cooperate (which is all too common where we live), they’re stuck watching movies instead of running around. Research shows that kids learn best through play, and I worry my son is spending too much time in a chair and not enough time being active. Pediatric occupational therapist Mia Roberts emphasizes that young children need sensory play to develop properly, and this is best done outdoors where they can explore a variety of environments.
So here we are, my husband and I, navigating a maze of color-coded calendars trying to figure out who’s working when, who’s picking up, and how to fit in part-time babysitters. I’m constantly assessing if my son is getting enough rest and exercise, wondering if an after-school class on “Cupcake Decorating” is worth our time and money, and if I can squeeze in some extra outdoor playtime with him.
It’s a juggling act that feels more like a circus, and honestly, it seems like no one is really winning. And any system that feels like a lose-lose? Well, that’s just ridiculous.
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In summary, the kindergarten schedule leaves much to be desired for both parents and kids alike. As we navigate this chaotic phase, I can’t help but feel that a rethink is in order.