Hi Moms,
You always give such great advice so I'm hoping you can give me some outside perspective on what to do. I will have a child in 3 year old and 4 year old preschool. Program A...is better in my opinion, but my kids would be in school T/TH and M/W/F. Program B isn't quite as good, but would be sufficent. That program would allow me to send my 3 & 4 year old (1 program for all kids 3-5) to school on the same days(M/W/F...they'd be in the same class) giving us 2 free days a week. Which is more important...a better preschool program and having 1 of them in school everyday or getting 2 days a week with both of my kids to go out and do things, but sacraficing the better program? I'll also have a 3rd child by then. I know I can always go out after school, but I love the idea of having an extra year to have "free" days to spend with them...once Kindergarten starts that option is gone. I currently babysit so we don't get "just us" time too often...by then I will hopefully be babysitting only 3 days a week leaving 2 days for "just us" if we go with option B. What are your thoughts? What would you do?
***This "problem" won't be for next school year, but the following one...BUT...in order to get into the 3 day a week program at school B when they will both be in school my oldest would need to go there next year to ensure 2 spots.****
Thank you all so much...I truly appreciate your thoughts.
T.
I'd want to know more about why B is less good, but unless it was a big difference, especially with another child on the way, I'd try to keep them going on the same days so I had some days when we didn't have to go anywhere. It seems like a very hectic schedule I'd want to avoid unless there's a really good reason.
Hi Tracy. I think the answer to the best option really lies within you. Both options sound perfectly fine -- you should choose the one that will make you the happier, and therefore better, Mom.
Personally, I am strong believer in the studies that show the stronger, aggressive "academic-based" preschools and kindergartens result in much higher stress levels in our children by the time they are all in fourth grade -- even though they end-up academically on par. Therefore, the "lesser" program may not be as detrimental as you might fear!
The option that makes you the happiest will allow you to be the more-relaxed, interactive Mom when the kids are around. So choose whichever will make your life the most fulfilled! Best wishes to you and your expanding family!
I agree w/ Paula F, time spent w/ the kids when they are small is time you will never get back. Unless Program B is so insufficient that you think your children will not learn anything or take anything away w/ them, then do Plan A -- but I don't know that any preschools are truly bad unless you have abusive and neglectful teachers. Good luck!! I just had my 3rd child 4 months ago, have a 4yo and a 3yo, my 3yo attends speech therapy school 5 days a week from 9 - 1130, she then goes w/ her 4yo brother to preschool in the afternoon for 2 hours. The schedule is very hectic, esp w/ a baby I am trying to get on a regular sleep schedule (he's doing pretty good w/ that too :). If I didn't have to take the 3yo to speech class for 2.5 hours a day, I wouldn't do it, I'd just keep the 2 in the same school and keep the schedule easier to manage. As it is, I'm frantic trying to get out the door w/ the 3 kids on time, nearly giving myself an aneurysm everyday! :) Good luck sweets.
I personally can totally understand not wanting to drive every day to the school. The pros of the 2 separate classes are that the boys get to be themselves instead of siblings, that the boys will have curriculum more tailored to their skill needs and that you would have one on one time with each boy on their own while the other is in school. If you have a 1 1/2 yr old though, how are they going to be in 3 yr old preschool next year? He'll only be 2 next fall. I would not want a 4 yr old in the same class as a 2 yr old for preschool, their needs, skill levels and abilities are too different.
N.
The program that they would attend together would be my choice. My son is now 9 and the time I get to spend with him is minimal at best. When my son was younger I would have said the better match educationally but now that he is older I realize I was lucky to have the time when he was little. Time is what we seem to miss the most as they get older, most parents don't look back and say "I wish he had learned more in preschool" But they say more "I wish I had had more time with my children before activities and sports took over their leisure time."
That is just my choice though, every family is different and the dynamics of your children need to be taken into account. I am sure you will make the right choice for all of you.
I would go witht he one that you can send them both to. You will have more alone time with your new baby, and then 2 days to do fun things with all the kids.
I agree with a PP about high stress. It's preschool! I think it is more about the socialization and the structure. I am an elementary teacher, and I value education and think preschool is crucial, but they are only 3 and 4. They will not be harmed in anmy way or less likely to suceed if they are together in a class. Good luck with your decision and happy pregnancy!
3 year-olds and 4 year-olds need different things from a preschool. If you think your 4 year-old will be ready for kindergarten without a program geared for his age group, the 3-5 class will probably be okay. 3 year-olds should be getting some social time with a bit of structure and an intro to the readiness skills. You'll have to base this on your kids' needs a bit.
Another option for you would be to find a 5-day preschool that is somewhat flexible with how many and which days you send your boys. Otherwise, if transporting them daily isn't a problem, I'd go with Program A. Whichever you choose will work out fine, as there will still be kids in kindgarten who didn't go to any preschool.
Well, this is not an easy choice. You'll probably get lots of different opinions about this, but because both options are actually good, you really can't go wrong here. Having said that, if it were me, I would probably choose the program that gave me more time with both kids together. Plus when baby # 3 is born, you'll have a little time alone with him/her while the boys are in school. I work part time and love the 3 days a week I have alone with my daughter. I can plan special outings, have play dates, etc on those days.
