By: Lisa Thompson
Updated: Aug. 6, 2020
Originally Published: Aug. 23, 2015
“Is he in school yet?”
Since my little one could walk, I’ve been bombarded with this question by everyone from fellow moms at the park to curious relatives I hardly see. What’s the fascination with my toddler’s education?
Honestly, I don’t have strong feelings about preschool. I believe in finding what works best for each family. Many parents need full-day preschool due to work commitments, while others find it simply out of reach financially. For those who choose it, preschool can provide joy for kids and a welcome break for parents. We enrolled our oldest child in preschool, and it was a great experience.
However, I take issue with the notion that young children must have formal schooling to succeed. The idea that if you don’t start early, you’re somehow failing them is perplexing. Why the hurry to push kids into a structured environment? I’ve noticed many toddler programs entice parents by promising an educational atmosphere. With our older son, we received progress reports and detailed accounts of his milestones. Frankly, I find that hard to accept.
What are toddlers really meant to do all day? They can explore the yard, searching for ants, which is science in action. They can run around, “counting” dandelions while half-naked, which is math. They can dive into a pile of books, scattering them until the one with the giant red truck appears—voilà, reading!
It’s not that I don’t engage my kids or believe they can learn in various settings. If they show interest, I’m more than happy to teach them about shapes, letters, numbers, and reading. But many toddlers aren’t ready for structured learning, and that’s perfectly fine.
Having spent time around groups of 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds, I can attest that when they’re all squirming on the carpet, tossing plastic food at each other, actual learning is minimal. Organized education at that age often happens best on a one-on-one basis or through hands-on experiences.
Preschool is a fun way for kids to socialize, but it’s not the only route. Playdates can fulfill these social needs, and children learn by exploring their surroundings, being read to, and having the freedom to absorb new information.
As a mostly full-time mom, I have the luxury to take a more relaxed approach to schooling. My son is turning three this fall, and I’ve decided not to enroll him in preschool. Unlike his older brother, he doesn’t seem ready yet. We will keep busy with regular activities that involve other kids, and I’ll definitely need babysitting breaks (thanks, Aunt Clara!).
Most importantly, I want to cherish the unstructured time he has. I’ll observe him learning at his own pace and teach him about numbers, letters, and stories if he shows interest. I want to instill values of kindness, love, and friendship along the way.
If he expresses interest down the line—budget permitting—I may consider enrolling him in preschool. But I won’t pressure him into it, and I’ll keep my expectations realistic. While preschool can enrich a child’s life, it’s not a mandatory component of education. Discovery, learning, and play can happen outside of a formal school setting. I wish more people would recognize the myriad of wonderful ways children can learn and grow.
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Summary:
In this article, Lisa Thompson shares her decision to delay enrolling her son in preschool. She reflects on the societal pressure surrounding early education and emphasizes the importance of allowing children to learn through play and exploration. By taking a relaxed approach, she hopes to nurture her son’s development at his own pace, recognizing that formal schooling is optional and that various learning avenues exist.