UGH. I have serious attachment issues with my children.
A few months ago, I blogged about whether or not to send Porgie to preschool. Your comments were very helpful, and I ultimately decided to register her for 3-year-old preschool this fall. For the past month, I have been completely at peace with my decision. But in the past few days, I have started reconsidering my plans.
First, school will interfere with our normal schedule. We won't be able to go to story time anymore. We LOVE story time. Second, she will only be three. School isn't really a necessity at this age - right? Third, she will probably get sick a lot. I don't like it when my babies are sick. Fourth, preschool is EXPENSIVE. Do we really want to spread ourselves thin trying to pay for 3-year-old preschool? And finally, I am not sure I am ready to send my baby off with strangers.
Although all of my concerns are valid, number five is really the only one holding us up. How do I know I can trust these people? Yes, they look like nice people. And they have all had background checks. But, I still don't want to leave my baby with them. They aren't going to love her like I do. They won't think she is the most amazing, smartest, funniest girl in the whole wide world. They won't know how to make her feel better when she is sad. Let's cut to the chase here - they just aren't as good as mommy.
So, I think we might be skipping preschool this fall. Next year she'll definitely go, but this year I want to keep her all to myself.
17 comments:
I'm going to be the exact same way. There is nothing wrong with that (or you) at all!
I don't blame you a bit. I think whatever your heart is telling you to do then roll with it. :o)
I totally understand. I swear I have this little bug in the back on my mind saying "why send her to school at all? homeschool her!"....I must be crazy!
I think you should do what feels right. Just curious....how many days was this preschool? My son is going to go this fall and it's only two mornings a week for three hours. Really just enough time for me to go grocery shopping with only one kid instead of both. I'm sure I'll be all teary and moody at first but it will be good for both of us. He's really excited about school and getting a backpack.
i don't blame you a bit, christy!!! for heaven's sake, she will be going to school for years and years in no time at all:)
love,
dani
keep her home while you can ... seriously. there's nothing wrong with sending her ... she would be fine. but ... if you are concerned and it doesn't NEED to happen ... don't do it. i think you are making a good decision.
Am I bad that I am looking forward to 3 year old preschool in the fall? It might have helped me that I signed her up for a 2 hour independent class at the park district on Mondays (her two teachers are good and I took classes with her before this and they are the same teachers). I was totally nervous about this class and the potty break. I actually think I freaked more about the bathroom than anything else. But those two precious hours a week where LM and I get to have some alone time and he is the center of attention I love it and I think he loves it too. Am I am bad mom now?
Not there yet... but I can understand feeling that way and worrying about those things. I'm not sure how I feel about it that early to begin with either. Is it really every weekday? I wouldn't want mine in one like that... not at 3. I can see a couple days a week... for the socialization part (but honestly if you do story times and other play date things... moot point). Or if its to get ahead and learn basics, you can always schedule in a mini "home-school" time.
I think all of your concerns are valid; however, I will be the devil's advocate on a few: getting sick, no one will make her feel better like you, and your normal schedule.
Getting sick sucks, definitely. But better NOW than when she starts kindergarten. Missing school then is a lot worse.
No one will make her feel as special as you do and no one will love her as much. True. You are her mommy and no one tops that. But most of the teachers there are mommies too and they will take good care of her. Porgy needs the interaction with other kids to learn to share, interact with kids who are not related to her, and developing friendships is important for a child. Not only that, she'll be worn out at the end of the day and she'll be so happy to have her mommy and she'll sleep really well at night.
As for your normal schedule... kids are very flexible and adaptable. Sure, you'll have a new normal and that's okay. This will also give you some more time to spend with Izzy, who has always had to share with his sister. I bet he'd love some one-on-one mommy time. :)
All that said, I don't blame you for not wanting to let go. Bayley is in daycare full time so I don't have the choice. I miss her like crazy everyday but it means we value the time we do more. (Not saying you don't value what you have, of course)
Preschool is not a bad thing. Except the expense. lol. That part DEFINITELY sucks.
I was the exact same way. My husband even backed me up. Said he wanted our kids to have as much time with me as possible (love him!) I sent them both when they were four. I was fortunate on the financial end in that the local elementary school started a pre-school program and it was free. I just paid for the meals.
I don't think that your feelings are bad at all. You should not knock yourself for ANY of those. You are home with her and that is why. Just because preschool is right for someone else, doesn't mean it's a perfect fit for you right now!
i agree with you. keep her home. you and i both know that once they are off in the world of school their teachers become their favorite people.
i plan on making sure beans thinks i am her most favorite person for as long as i can!
Yeah, I don't really know what the heck I am going to do when Cole turns three... although I am sorta kinda planning on having baby #2 around that time so I might need to have him occupied elsewhere... for my babysitters' sake.
I think preschool every day at three is a bit much- but I could see one or two mornings a week. It would give you some extra mommy and Izzy time. I don't think kids that young NEED school.
Yeah.
She will be at school soon enough ~ enjoy having her at home with you for another year!
Max is starting this fall but I hear you on this stuff. I found a school that I LOVE and it is montessori and they are all so loving. I think it will be good for him and his speech.
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