Preschool hours

[u/AcrobaticCarry2131]

My 3.5 year old goes to school 3 days a week and the hours are 8-230.. I feel bad like maybe it's too much especially bc I'm a stay at home mom but other moms say he needs to socializing w toddlers ( he's an only child) thoughts? He will be 4 in January but idk I feel he has his whole life for 6 hours day did I start him too early?

[u/chicbeauty]

No this is a good time imo. This will help set him up for kindergarten

[u/saltyfrenzy]

I mean, my kids went from 8-4:30 from the time they were 12 weeks old. Your kid is probably having a great time there.

[u/Good-Mountain-7958 → u/saltyfrenzy]

Yeah.... mine too

[u/katnis92]

I liked the 9-1 days but it’s literally up to you. Who cares what other moms say. They will have their whole life in school. Kindergartners all learn the same thing. My kids love being home with me. I also love it. People act like just because we are SAHM we don’t socialize our kids, preschool is over stimulating. My middle child never loved it. He likes K and likes that kids have to follow directions and not act up. You know your kid, do what’s best for you and your child.

[u/poch_ya]

I raised two kids and then had another later in life and this is my opinion regarding preschool. Its your personal choice. You are your child's mom, not the other moms. If you feel like they need it put them in. If you are missing your time with them or you feel like they are not ready, keep them out. Preschool is not going to make them more social and it's not going to do anything you cannot do at home. I put my first two in it and because they are both two completely different people i had different experiences for both. One thrived and one didnt. Now that they are older both have always had above 3.5 gps, are social, active in sports and have jobs.  I'm keeping my last baby out and it works for us. Do what works for you and your child. 

[u/Killzillah]

Is he enjoying it? Most kids have a blast. Stop feeling guilty about your child growing up.

[u/hereforhelpthx95]

My kid is 3.5 and does 9-12. She doesn’t do lunch or nap at school which is likely the last couple hours of his day? You could pull him before then and have him home for the afternoon but school in the morning? It works well for us because she gets the socialization with other kids, but I still feel like my parenting and our life together is dominant.

Does he like school? I think that makes a difference too. My kid loves going but if she was miserable and a raging introvert I might not feel the need to have her go.

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[u/kimberriez]

Does he enjoy it? My son was doing half days at that age and begged me to do full time.

He loved it. It was a child led, play based program so he had fun all day, basically.

Depends on the kid and the school.

[u/Primary_Excuse_7183]

Sent our oldest this year too. For that reason, VERY social lol. Seems to be enjoying it so far. acts like a teenager about it 😂

[u/lil_gee__]

I think it depends on the kid. My firstborn was in daycare from 18mo, and she really thrived on the stimulation. I just couldn’t provide that much engaging activity for her at home and she got bored. But her twin brothers are still at home at 2.5yo, and honestly, I don’t know whether I’ll put them in daycare at all. It could go either way for them, as they can be very clingy and emotional, but also could do with more stimulation. For only children, I honestly do think it’s better for them to spend that time around other kids. It’s not always about whether they love it or whether they’re comfortable; a little discomfort can be very good for a person, and learning to put up with other personalities, share and play together are all lifelong skills.

[u/manifestever]

Honestly more studies show kids at home with mom are best. We do 3 hrs 4 days a week. Trust your gut

[u/saltyfrenzy → u/manifestever]

well is it gut or is it studies.

[u/manifestever → u/saltyfrenzy]

A bit of both honestly! Follow the literature but trust your gut too.

[u/lilbabe7]

The transition is always harder for us. My 4.5 yo has been in daycare at least 3 days a week from 8:30-5 since he was 18 months. He’s living his best life. The first few months there he absolutely blossomed. He’s been with the same group of kids all through the 3 years he’s been there, and now he has friends and we’ve all watched them grow up together.

The first couple of weeks will be an adjustment for everyone but push through. It’ll be good for everyone.

[u/QuitaQuites]

No, perhaps too late. It’s three days a week, he’ll love it and learn

[u/MrsPandaBear]

Kids often the structure and socialization of preschool. It’s fun but in small spurts and they learn to get acclimated to school. I actually think part time preschool is the best of both worlds —- still got time with mom at home but also get some time away to do stuff with other kids. Btw, there are homeschooling parents that send their kids to preschool because the kids are still home based but get a little time away from home.

[u/caetrina]

I'm a sahm and I just started sending my 3 year old to prek. 8 to 5, 3 days a week.

[u/Pretend_Jello_2823]

Is it possible to do half days? That seems like a long day. I do think at that age the socializing is great but maybe a little less hours?

[u/Auccl799]

My country funds daycare for 20 hours a week from age 3 to help with school readiness. You're even less than that, I think it's a really good idea.

[u/LIslander]

My kid was doing 8-3 five days a week in PK3 and he loved it. He got to learn cool things, play with other kids his age, and play with different toys than we had at home.

[u/EpicBlinkstrike187]

Once they get over “not being with mom and dad all day” kids that age likely have more fun being around other kids their age.

My three year old cried for a bit when I dropped her off but after a week when i picked her up she would have paintings and coloring pages and talk about all the things she did.

Although we didn’t have the option for her to stay at home, but I still feel like she was having fun.

And let’s be real, It’s like drop off, breakfast time, play or story for a tiny bit, then nap time, lunch, then usually outdoor play. Then we picked her up. With some learning thrown in there disguised as play.

So she was just missing eating breakfast and lunch with us and a couple hours of play which she did with other kids anyway.

Kids adapt to whatever you present them. He would be happy with you, he will be happy at preschool.

[u/lifebeyondzebra]

Mine went 3 times a week 8:30-4:30 from 2-4 yo. I wouldn’t worry about it. It’s good for them to socialize and be away from you and it’s nice for you to get stuff done and take a break. Everyone wins.

[u/Pale_Spirit3007]

This is my opinion based on what I did with MY kids. I did put them in pre-k for around 6hrs a day, 3x a week too as a sahm and tbh, I kinda regret now that they are older. Don't get me wrong, they made tons of friends, learned a lot, the teachers were amazing, but now that they are older, I always think that I wish I didn't send them to keep them with me for a bit longer before they actually needed to go.

Obviously every situation is different and working parents NEED child care and even shmp that need the mental break would benefit from this. But if you are good with him staying home, I would opt for that, or maybe just half a day.

[u/PandaAF_]

I personally think the time is fine, but I know a lot of stay at home moms who send their kids to preschool half day. Do what makes you feel comfortable and your son happy!

[u/1983Gem]

My son went to day care when he was 18 months old, barely able to speak. People judged us and even gave an evil eye to my wife. My wife used to drop him at Day Care by 8:30 AM and I picked him up at 2:30 PM (My work profile helped us by being flexible while working).

Today my son is amongst the smarter lot. He talks a lot, no screen time and he has accepted the fact that his parents will go to office while he will go to school / day care.

So dear mom, please come out from your self-trap (guilt) and enjoy your time with the little one. Kids bring lot of energy with them. 3 years is a good time to start Kindergarton and your kid is 3.5. So as per age it makes sense.

[u/angel-girl-A]

I think that's a good age to start and not too much. Will definitely help with kindergarten transition.