Since my kids turned 3, I have always been asked – “Are they going to school this year?” My casual answer is “No, they will go to school next year”
My twins will be turning 4 this school year and for most of the kids in our neighborhood and those of my friends, their kids already go to either toddlers’ school or a play school. We were never affected by these situations, though. Because we know for a fact that the kids were not left behind. They learned a lot from home, too plus I have free tutors (my mom and sisters). The kids already know the alphabet, numbers, they can barely read now and still learning, they can write and draw. It was surprising for me as their mom because I never get the chance to teach them personally for I have a day job. So yes, our daughters are still not going to school this year.
But how do we really know if the kids are ready for school or not? I watched the TV the other day and there was a child psychologist telling that getting the kids to school is not a matter of readiness for the children. It is however, the decision of the parents whether to get their kids attend some school as early as age 2. In our country, the standard requirement for the kids to go to school is at age 6 for Preparatory. We do, however, have several toddlers school in place and these are the options for parents who want to get their kids ready for school at an early age.
Why do parents get their kids to school early?
- The only child – being an only child, the parents would want their children to have company, a playmate
- Some parents don’t have enough time to teach their children the early education at home so they send them to school for the learning process
- Children may have different level of learning and for those who needs special care and attention, there are specialized school
Does this early going to school really have an effect on the child? It varies. Some says children easily gets bored and no longer want to go to school but I think this is not totally true. One big factor why children get bored is their environment. If there are no more challenges left for the kids, they will get bored naturally. Kids are explorers and they like to learn new things.
Kids who don’t go to school early are not necessarily bright kids. Parents have their reasons, too why they opted to defer their children’s school. As for me, I still want my kids to enjoy their sleep and to enjoy playing at home. Learn when they have the time and just be kids!
How about you? Did you get your child to school early or not? What are your reasons?
