The Gist:

• Preschool is great

• Preschool is not necessary for every child 

• You are your child’s best teacher, guide and touchstone

Read more…

With school starting back so very quickly, a lot of you are in a mad dash to get everything sorted. 

In addition to registrations, school supplies, new clothes, new schedules, child care, and even learning coaches for some, we also have to factor in additional health concerns right now. 

For some of you this means deciding whether or not to send your child to...

PRESCHOOL!

Exciting and scary at the same time, that first drop off is never easy, whether it’s preschool or kindergarten or even daycare. 

If you’re experiencing fear and separation anxiety while considering whether to send your child to preschool, I’m here to let you know that all that emotion may not be necessary. 

You do not “have to” send your child to preschool if that’s not what feels good. 

Preschool does give children the opportunity to fine tune their skills in preparation for elementary school. But your little one can learn just as much at home with a little forethought and planning. 

What all kids under age 5 (and even above that!) need most is play. Through different kinds of play your child develops language, social-emotional, intellectual, and motor skills. They even learn some “pre-academic” skills — all through play. No flash cards required. 

If you and your spouse are working all day, preschool can be a loving and nurturing environment for your kiddo to learn these crucial skills. Some children develop lifelong friendships, experience unique opportunities to learn and really thrive at preschool.

But if sending your child to preschool feels like the wrong choice, for whatever reason, stand firm in that feeling. Your child will not learn anything at preschool that an enriching home life won’t provide. 

So the short answer is no, not sending your child to preschool will not cause delays, particularly if you’re purposeful about what types of experiences your child is having while they’re home with you or a caregiver. 

If you have questions regarding back to school, please send them to info@speechkids.com and I will be happy to address them in the following week’s videos and posts.

All my best-

Gabriele