Did anyone NOT send DC to Pre-K?

I am feeling like a horrible mom because I am not sending my DD to pre-k....I dont know if its because my sister in law keeps telling me what a horrible mother i am or just that money is very tight right now and I dont know how i would even do it with both my husband and I working full time, how would we even be able to get her there and pick her up.

Our parents watch her now and probably wouldnt mind taking and picking her up I just feel guilty even asking.

We play "school" at home so I know she will not be behind but I just feel guilty.....




THANK YOU everyone....I also wanted to just say that she is involved in library classes as well as other activities......I spoke to my DH about it again last night and we may just send her to part time pre K just so she can get used to the fact of going to school every day

Message edited 6/1/2012 2:28:12 PM.

Re: Did anyone NOT send DC to Pre-K?

I am not sending my DD to PreK. I am a certified teacher (PreK thru 6) so I plan on working with her on the "academics" at home and for socialization I signed her up at Mommy and Me for a separation class twice a week, two hours a day. Also signed her up for various programs through the library and local farm. I am not worried about her one bit, I am 100% confident in my decision and I know she will be completely ready for Kindergarten. If I didn't think so I wouldn't have made the choice I did.

Re: Did anyone NOT send DC to Pre-K?

You shouldn't feel you have to send her but imo your parents might find it to be a break- not a burden. I know I feel that way when I drop Ds off. It's time to get things done and for me spend alone time with the baby.

Re: Did anyone NOT send DC to Pre-K?

We did send our DS. IMO, and I am not looking to getingo a debate or start drama, but there are some things that you cannot teach at home. Academically, my DS hasnt gained THAT much from pre-K. He learned his colors, numbers, letters, letter sounds, shapes, how to read sight words, etc at home. However the reason we sent him, was to learn how to behave in a classroom, how to listen to an authority figure, how to interact with classmates, how to follow classroom procedure, about the responsiblity of getting up and going every day (even when you dont feel like it- I am a SAHM and DS loves pajama days )etc. I have noticed DS mature alot in the last few months!

At his K orientation, the principal asked if every kid had attended pre-k and when all of us said yes (7 parents), she said oh good, you can really tell when a child has not. Now thats not to say that they dont all even out.

First you are NOT a bad mother no matter what you choose, I mean reallly even Kindergarten is not mandated in NYS. But if you are feeling bad about it and it is something you think would be good for your DC. Ask your parents. There are 3 or more sets of grandparents who do pick up and drop off at DS's school. Your parents might actually like the break.

Good Luck with your decision! And not matter what DONT feel bad. YOu are a wonderful parent and sending or not sending your DC to preschool does not change that at all!

Re: Did anyone NOT send DC to Pre-K?

Posted by Kelly9904

We did send our DS. IMO, and I am not looking to getingo a debate or start drama, but there are some things that you cannot teach at home. Academically, my DS hasnt gained THAT much from pre-K. He learned his colors, numbers, letters, letter sounds, shapes, how to read sight words, etc at home. However the reason we sent him, was to learn how to behave in a classroom, how to listen to an authority figure, how to interact with classmates, how to follow classroom procedure, about the responsiblity of getting up and going every day (even when you dont feel like it- I am a SAHM and DS loves pajama days )etc. I have noticed DS mature alot in the last few months!

At his K orientation, the principal asked if every kid had attended pre-k and when all of us said yes (7 parents), she said oh good, you can really tell when a child has not. Now thats not to say that they dont all even out.

First you are NOT a bad mother no matter what you choose, I mean reallly even Kindergarten is not mandated in NYS. But if you are feeling bad about it and it is something you think would be good for your DC. Ask your parents. There are 3 or more sets of grandparents who do pick up and drop off at DS's school. Your parents might actually like the break.

Good Luck with your decision! And not matter what DONT feel bad. YOu are a wonderful parent and sending or not sending your DC to preschool does not change that at all!

Re: Did anyone NOT send DC to Pre-K?

We have Universal prek in our district, but if that wasn't available I wouldn't be able to afford it either.
You can only do what you can do. I don't think prek is worth a financial strain on your family.

Re: Did anyone NOT send DC to Pre-K?

I am not as of now (DD is 2y,4mo) but it was something I thought about and felt a bit conflicted over too. She stays with her grandparents during the week (DH and I also work FT) so economically it makes more sense for us to wait. I may send her to something part time when she's 3.5/4 but for now I'm going to do what I can as far as teaching her at home, and get her involved in programs at the library and maybe some mommy and me classes. I definitely do not think you should feel bad about it though. It's a very personal decision and whatever you decide is what you feel is best. There is no right or wrong decision and you're def NOT a horrible mom.

Re: Did anyone NOT send DC to Pre-K?

As long as you have other means to let the child socialize, go to the library programs, etc. etc., then I wouldn't worry too much! My child went to pre-k, because we won the lottery, but wouldn't have otherwise, because I felt she didn't really need it, and wouldn't waste the money. Now if she had no playdates, wasn't involved in any activities, didn't know how to write, letters, etc., then that would be a different story.

I did want to mention that some districts have a free pre-school type program that is run by teachers and students, that meets a couple days a week. Also Boces does one that is like $140 for the entire year.

Re: Did anyone NOT send DC to Pre-K?

We home school until Kindergarten.... Our oldest is the only one is school right now and the teacher was impressed how well they are doing, right on target with the rest

Re: Did anyone NOT send DC to Pre-K?

Re: Did anyone NOT send DC to Pre-K?

Posted by Alli06

Posted by Kelly9904

We did send our DS. IMO, and I am not looking to getingo a debate or start drama, but there are some things that you cannot teach at home. Academically, my DS hasnt gained THAT much from pre-K. He learned his colors, numbers, letters, letter sounds, shapes, how to read sight words, etc at home. However the reason we sent him, was to learn how to behave in a classroom, how to listen to an authority figure, how to interact with classmates, how to follow classroom procedure, about the responsiblity of getting up and going every day (even when you dont feel like it- I am a SAHM and DS loves pajama days )etc. I have noticed DS mature alot in the last few months!

At his K orientation, the principal asked if every kid had attended pre-k and when all of us said yes (7 parents), she said oh good, you can really tell when a child has not. Now thats not to say that they dont all even out.

First you are NOT a bad mother no matter what you choose, I mean reallly even Kindergarten is not mandated in NYS. But if you are feeling bad about it and it is something you think would be good for your DC. Ask your parents. There are 3 or more sets of grandparents who do pick up and drop off at DS's school. Your parents might actually like the break.

Good Luck with your decision! And not matter what DONT feel bad. YOu are a wonderful parent and sending or not sending your DC to preschool does not change that at all!

ITA!!! DS is signed up for a 3 year old program for September. I feel like he needs to get out of the house and socialize with other kids his age, without me around. I have him in a seperation class right now once a week, and I think it is really good for him. He has seperation anxiety from me and the class is helping. He makes such cute projects, has story time, playground time, special treats when someone has a birthday. He learns how to listen to an adult other then his parents or grandparents. He also learns how to deal with different kids personalitys. I love picking him up and hearing about what he did in school that day. I guess it depends on the child, but me and my In-laws who watch him need a little break. He has alot of energy and can be difficult at times.
I can't really think of a reason not to send them, but that is just me.
Kindergarten is a full day in most districts and that sure is a big adjustment for a kid who has never went to school before.

Re: Did anyone NOT send DC to Pre-K?

Re: Did anyone NOT send DC to Pre-K?

mine is going straight to kindergarten.

We weighed out pros and cons...I just don't think it is necessary to send them.

Since I know colors, numbers, and letters...I just taught him

I am actually dreading august when he goes to K. I feel like we will be so limited in our activities.