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The Preschool Rat Race-Let your Child Be a Child. Looking back on my own childhood, and the way things used to be, I have to say we have made great strides in childhood development. It seems that there is a lot more research, books and developmental toys and activities to help children really achieve their potential, and all this information finds a captive audience. Parents clamor to get the latest Brainy Baby DVDs, preschool phonics kits and sign their two year olds for all kinds of extra curricular activities–or send them to preschool as early as 2 1/2-3 years old. As I was being asked (in my posh Chicago neighborhood) if I was sending my daughter to preschool when she was 3, I wasn’t sure. I got a lot of critical looks from other moms. Many of these moms were raving about how their 3 year olds could recite the ABC’s, write their names and read. My gut was telling me to wait, but my neighbors were all jumping on the “I want my child to be the next Einstein” bandwagon. I felt pretty pressured. My parenting style tends to be a little more laid back when it comes to a lot of things (antibiotics, germs, falls, etc.) Adding to this approach is my own background, being raised from an off-the-boat Italian couple whose flu remedies consisted of chamomile tea and toast. They did not hear about preschool until my sister was ready to go and I was ten. I did not go, and I turned out alright (I think). |
Then I came across a great article about over scheduling your children into activities, and sending them to school too early. The article warned parents that too much structure and not enough free play stifles creative development. That’s all the ammo I needed. I held Carla back until she was 4, and then sent her to half days. It was the perfect decisions for my daughter, and her creativity seems to be pretty developed because of it. Carla’s teacher is always telling us how Carla is the class storyteller, talking about whales trapped in our washing machine and a team of 16 invisible monsters visiting her during breakfast. She makes up new games and leads other children in these games. She makes up stories and rock songs at night. What I am telling you is to not be pressured to get into the Einstein race. They are going to be in school a very long time. Know what your child is like, and what your family believes in, and make the right decision for you. Keep in mind that in any race, some start out slow, only to hit their stride and win the race.
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©2007 Flora Caputo |
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