Preschool Woes: Hang in There, Parents!

home insemination Kit

I’ll be honest: I was hesitant to enroll both of my boys in preschool. As a stay-at-home mom, I didn’t have to send them anywhere, and with our budget being tighter than my jeans after the holidays, justifying the cost of preschool was a challenge. Plus, I genuinely relished having them around 24/7 when they were younger. We always found plenty of activities to do together, exploring and learning through both play at home and outings. A little planning meant socializing was never out of reach.

Then there was the minor detail of potty training, which most preschools require. Let’s just say that ranks high on my list of most stressful parenting tasks, and neither of my boys accomplished it until well after their third birthdays.

But as they approached 3 ½, it hit me—both kids were ready for a bit of structure and variety, and they were eager to start school. “I want to go to school!” they would chant daily, or they would beg for playdates, which frankly weren’t my favorite thing to coordinate.

So, I found some budget-friendly preschool programs and signed them up for a few hours each week.

Now, kids can say they want something until they’re blue in the face, but when the moment arrives, who knows how it’ll really go down? Signing them up was easy; I fell in love with the adorable little tables and colorful blocks, convinced my kids would adore their new teacher, who reminded me of my grandma.

But come drop-off time on that first day, my stomach was in knots. Suddenly, the classroom seemed vast and intimidating, and letting my baby walk in alone felt impossible.

My first son adapted surprisingly well. From day one, he was chatting with teachers, making friends, and practically shoving me out the door after I dropped him off.

The second son, however, my baby, had a tougher time. He warmed up eventually, but I had to stay in the room for quite a while before he felt comfortable separating. Even after that, he needed to know I was still in the building (I may have had to stretch the truth a bit on that one).

The real challenge was getting him out of the house. When it was time to go to preschool, he would say, “Oh, we’ll go next time.” If I pressed further, he would dissolve into tears and lament, “I hate school! Don’t make me go!” Then he would flop down like a limp noodle, refusing to budge until it was way too late.

I tried to be patient, listening to his feelings without scolding him. But despite my initial reservations about signing him up, I was determined that he would at least give it a shot. Bribery with lollipops was involved. After a few weeks, his protests subsided, and he no longer needed me hovering nearby.

I know this isn’t the worst transition on the parenting spectrum, but when your child resists something you believe is beneficial for them, doubts start creeping in. Am I making the right choices? Is my child okay?

I questioned myself extensively. Should I pull him from the program and try again later? Or should I push him through this experience for both our sakes? Did I have unreasonable expectations for him, especially when comparing him to his older brother who was ready at that age?

Let’s face it—parenthood is tough. You never really know if you’re making the right decisions for your child. And in some cases, preschool may not be the right fit. Perhaps they’re too young, or it’s too many hours, or maybe it’s just not a good program for them.

Trust your instincts! Parents know their children best, and no one else can judge your choices. But if you’re confident your kid is ready for preschool, it’s worth gently pushing through the initial resistance.

Keep trying, even if it means being late for a few weeks or dealing with a few tears. Usually, preschool teachers can help your child cope with those sad feelings, and sometimes kids adjust better when you’re not lingering nearby.

Chances are, everything will turn out just fine. In a few weeks or even months, your little one may be begging to go to school, and you’ll appreciate those hours of alone time you didn’t even realize you needed. You’ll master the art of fitting in a jog, a shower, some work, and maybe even a load of laundry all in those precious preschool hours.

When the day is done and you reunite with your child, you’ll both have stories to share. Sure, there may be more tears, but this time they’ll be yours—tears of pride as you watch your child embrace new experiences and push through their fears.

Then you’ll find yourself pleading with them to please, just stop growing up. Seriously. Right now. Just stop it.

Summary:

Navigating preschool can be a daunting experience for both parents and children. While some kids may embrace it with open arms, others may resist, leading to doubts and questions for parents. It’s essential to trust your instincts, gently encourage your child, and remember that with time, most kids will adapt and thrive in their new environment. Embrace the journey, celebrate their growth, and cherish the moments you have together.