I am always amused when someone talks about how they need to send their child to preschool. Socialization and academic skills are a top priority when it comes to sending your little one off to preschool.
Just to be clear: I am not judging anyone who sends their child to preschool. Some moms need the break, and there are a lot of good preschool programs out there. Even I recognize that. What I am saying, is the you don’t NEED to send your child off to preschool for socialization or academic readiness skills or any of that other stuff that’s so popular in today’s educationalese language.
Socialization
One misconception about the “benefits” of sending your child to preschool, is that he’ll be better socialized. Research shows this is not true. In fact, the more a child stays home–the better socialized he is. Many people think that little ones need practice “sharing” or “taking turns” but in truth, it is parent who is in the best position to model behavior–not peers and not a teacher.
Furthermore, there is what I like to unofficially label “the attention span” factor. Simply put, little ones do not have the best attention spans. While a good preschool may provide an array of activities set up at “centers” or may constantly be introducing something new, having to wait, sit at desks, etc. goes against the very nature of a preschooler.
Academic Readiness
This is an interesting area of debate for a few reasons. I personally feel like “delayed academics” are a much more healthy and natural way to proceed. There is a lot of research that points to us stressing out our children too early over tests and the like.
On the other hand, there is a lot of research that talks about how a good preschool program can have long lasting effects in terms of salary increase, better colleges, and better performance at school.
Which side is right? In my opinion, both are. If you are able to read to your child, take him places and spend lots of quality time with your child, there is no better place for him to be than at home.
If you choose to put your child in preschool, that’s fine too. Just know that you don’t HAVE to in order to have a well socialized, academically prepared, little guy!
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