If I had the privilege of staying home with my children, I don’t know that I would ever have sent them to school. I strongly suspect I would have given into my introverted, overprotective tendencies and mostly just hung out at home with occasional trips to the park or museum.
But I went back to work, and my husband (who was home with them for a season) started a business, so off to school they went.
While no situation is perfect, I find myself grateful every day for ours, particularly the school that cares for and nurtures my little ones for about 10 hours each day.
Here are the things I like most.
Diversity
Confession time. Our life isn’t always as diverse as I’d like it to be. In our neighborhood, church, and circle of friends, my kids see a lot of people who look a lot like we do.
At their school, though, there are various ethnicities, accents, and socioeconomic levels that are hopefully helping my kids realize that people are different, and that’s a wonderful thing.
Peer Pressure
The good kind. My oldest, in particular, does things at her own pace, which has typically been on the late end of the scale. Seeing her peers walking, talking, and potty training has given her the extra push she’s needed to meet the next developmental challenge. Oh, and she cleans her plate–vegetables included–every day at school. (This is not the case at the dinner table.)
Built-In Village
Even though I have two little ones, I still kind of feel like a rookie mom in some aspects. I’ve never been a big “kid person.” My niece and nephew grew up several states away, and I didn’t babysit much. My mom has passed away, so I don’t have her expert advice to call on when I have a question.
I’ve found that my girls’ teachers are great sounding boards and advice-givers on what’s normal and not, when I should push and when I should relax, and even when I should give the doctor a call about fevers, tummy aches, and colds.
Structure and Fun
My husband did great at home with the girls, and I’m sure I would have been fine staying home with them, too. But sometimes we had (and still have) the tendency to take the easy way out–another half hour of television, coloring a picture instead of making a new craft, or playing the same Little People scenario instead of creating a new edition. We too often stay in our pjs all day on Saturdays.
At school, I know they’re getting meals, recess, and naps at the same time. They bring home all kinds of fun projects and host special days for moms, dads, and grandparents. It’s a helpful routine for them, and they seem to miss it when we’re out for extra snow days or travel.
While I’m sure I would have hit my stride as a stay-at-home mom, I’m grateful for the role their school has played in their little lives and in mine.
Are you looking for a preschool? Check out the FWMB guide to area schools, and share in the comments what you love about yours.
