Friday, January 9, 2009

Dilemma

I'm mulling this over, and I could use some advice.

I stay at home, but Ian goes to preschool 3 mornings a week. Chase stays with me all day.

Chase has always been a really social little kid. He wants to be where the action is. He follows Ian around all over, he follows me all over. I watched Tiff's kids yesterday (4 of them) and Chasey was all about being part of the group. He sat and listened to stories as Kenna read, he went down the slide with everyone, he even tried to participate in a game of "chase Ian around the house screaming and running". He just likes to be around other little kids.

So, do I explore the possibility of putting him in pre-preschool 2 mornings a week at Ian's school? Is that weird, that I stay at home, but ship my kids off to school in the mornings? Doubly weird, I watch another little boy, so I would be staying at home with a kid that is not mine, so that I could pay for school for both of my kids...?

I just don't know if it's worth it at this point...would he get much out of being away from me 6 hours a week at this age? Or would it be more practical to wait until next school year when he is walking (like the rest of his class will be). Or would this be the motivation that he needs to practice more gross motor skills as he watches other little kids doing it or tries to keep up with everyone?

I just don't really know what to do.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am very pro-preschool. Or pre-preschool, whichever the case may be.

6 hours is not that much, and it sounds like he would do great in a school setting. Also, with #3 on the way, you will appreciate some one-on-one time with him or her.

I send my older 2 to school, and I stay home. They love it, and I think we all benefit from some time apart, and Cal benefits from some only-child time which he would never get otherwise.

So. That's my two cents. Pack his backpack and send him on!

Cate said...

Yeah, I agree with Jen. School is good for everyone.

Is Ian's school the only option? Do you have anyone -- EI people, therapists, pediatrician -- who can recommend something? I know our EI has playgroups to provide some of that social exposure. I do think peer pressure is a HUGE motivator.

woo hoo, yay for peer pressure! what a weird thing to say.

And yeah, you'll have three kids before you know it. Don't sweat that.

Laurie said...

Well, I really like Ian's preschool, the director seemed really into having him there, and frankly, the price is right.

I actually run a playgroup for our DSAC chapter, but it's only once a month. Once he turns 2 I can take him to a gymnastics program once a week that is free and run by another mom in our association, so we'll probably do that.

But also, it's hard for me to get out while watching the other baby at home, and will be even more difficult when it's that baby plus my new one...

Thanks for the input!

Suzie said...

I just wanted to add that all children are different and that only you know what is best for your child. I am sure that whatever decision you make, you will do what is best for you and for Chase. What a lucky kid!! :-)

Toodles!

carydip said...

Guess I'll take the other side. Why not consider waiting until #3 arrives and then put him in, to give you more one on one time with the new baby. Since you already run the monthly DS group, aren't there some kids you know that you could set up play dates for Chase, maybe while Ian's in school? When it's time for Chase to walk, he'll walk and drive you crazy!-Wait for it. It's so neat that you do get to be home with your kids, and you are so involved with them, don't be too anxious to send them out, they'll be grown and gone before you know it, enjoy every minute you have with them now. I know you're looking out for Chase and what's best for him. I know some days seem to take forever and many exhaust you, but in a blink, it's over and all you've got left are your memories. Love~Mom