Parents of children have all been there—-we watch our toddlers revel in the joy of learning and discovery around them, and we contemplate the thought of releasing them from the nest and venturing out into the world via preschool.
Amidst the daycare search, registration forms, wellness checks, and physical and cognitive examinations, we begin to wonder if pre-K education is really necessary? Won’t daycare suffice? Can’t Mom and Dad just teach them a little something before sending them off to kindergarten? The truth is, education is easier said than done, and even the best-laid plans of parents often go awry in the sea of day-to-day activities that life with kids throws at us.
What about preschool?
The building blocks of success that preschool-aged children experience are not so much academic, but social and emotional as well. Preparing a child for achievement includes self-esteem-boosting activities like learning to dress himself, organizing simple school supplies, and developing friendships. When one allows these opportunities to take place in the supportive cocoon of preschool, we see our children thrive.
Why we love preschool!
There are several reasons you should consider sending your wee one to preschool. They are about to embark on an exciting journey of self-discovery, with a few core skills and some self-awareness thrown in for good measure. Here are some reasons why we think the preschool experience is beneficial to all children:
- Kids can be kids
Moms, we know that the struggle is real—you want your child to have immersive play experiences that allow for exploration and discovery, but you don’t want to be wiping shaving cream down off the walls at bedtime. In a preschool environment, children get the opportunity to set sail on a sea of imaginative play, using toys, puzzles, and shaving cream in a fully supportive environment. Here’s the best part—-the only clean-up you’ll be asked to do is their clothing at the end of a messy play session.
- They will learn the value and importance of friendships
Building friendships is important for self-esteem and to make connections with others. Children who learn to navigate social situations successfully have more confidence, they feel safer leaving the comfort of their home and family, and they will feel like they can take bigger risks and set higher goals for themselves as they open to broader horizons.
- They have a natural passion for learning
Preschool-aged children are naturally inquisitive and curious, and this enthusiasm for learning spills over into everything that they do! They have a natural aptitude for asking questions, and if you’ve been around these passionate youngsters, you know that each question leads to a new and different question. What better place to satisfy all of these curiosities than in a place where they can learn about the world around them?
- They are developing new skills
From greater independence with toilet training to fine motor skills, it is amazing to watch these little ones develop in such a short period of time. Seeing other children in a preschool setting can be inspiring to your young one who is working to develop new skills as well. Managing peer support and encouragement is yet another skill that these wonders can develop as they watch and celebrate each others’ successes.
- They become less clingy
A child who has developed successful relationships with adults and other children in a preschool setting is more likely to develop the independence needed for other stages of life. There may be a bit of initial hesitation at the thought of being away from you for the day, but the benefits and skills gained from being in this environment is well worth a few mornings of tears and a little uncertainty about a new setting. In time, your child will develop a deeper understanding of good-bye, later, and safety that will be needed as they grow.
You may be hesitant to let your precious baby set sail on the road to independence so soon, but the skills he’ll acquire and the confidence he will develop will far outweigh any apprehension that you initially experience. Let the preschool games begin!
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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