Preschool advice

[britbratjf]

So Dagny currently attends a church preschool. She goes M/W from 9-1 and its glorious (she likes it too). Next year, for the 3yo class, she has the option of going 2 or 3 mornings per week. I'm torn about which class to register her for. On one hand I think it'd be great to have additional one on one time with the new baby but on the other I worry that the third day will be too overwhelming for her, especially WITH the new baby. Anyone have brilliant advice?

[trixi282]

I think by that time she could be ready for the 3day class, even with a new baby around. She might enjoy the play/learning time and being around friends. For her it might be nice to have the engaging atmosphere and activities to keep her busy so she's not frustrated with the new baby taking your attention? I know with a new baby it will be really nice for you to have that break too, and allow for bonding time with new baby.

nesenotes, mightybee (does D do preschool?), or one of our other new/multiple SAHMs might have some input since they dealt with similar situation with their LO's recently.

[xanthepants]

I think I would choose the 3 day. Really it is just 4 more hours a week. I noticed that daycare (and soon PS) has helped Cosette with the structure of her day, learning ABCs etc in a different way than I might teach. And she really enjoys playing with a safe group of familiar toddlers.

[roo1582]

We just switched Kayleigh from full time to part time at dc. She goes 3 days a week now. She loves going and is happy she gets the extra attention. Plus she is learning so much there. I almost feel guilty dropping down to part time. But we did ut to save money with 2 kids in DC and also so I can spend more time with them.

I don't think sending her the extra few hours would hurt her in the least. She will be learning more and getting rid of some extra energy too.

[cookiesandwine]

I would without hesitation sign up for the 3 a week class.

[britbratjf]

Thanks ladies. I needed someone to alleviate the guilt of wanting to send her 3 days! I think it'll be good for her & me/new baby but I was worried she would feel like I'm trying to get rid of her or something since new baby will arrive right when the school year starts.

[trixi282]

Definitely don't feel guilty. It's only part day anyway, and I'm sure she'll love it!

[mightybee]

D's in 2 morning a week PS now. I enrolled him at 2 mostly because of the new baby. The 3 year old class he'll be in next year is 3 mornings.

It is very nice to have time with just the baby during these mornings. I've also been using the time to do errands like grocery shop that I don't want to tackle with 2 kids!

D has had a little bit of a struggle returning to PS since P's birth. She was born over his break from school and my ILs were staying with us, so he had a lot of change to deal with. Last week and a bit this week, he cried for me not to leave upon drop off, but was A-OK after I left and he settled. It's also harder to "convince" him to get ready and go to PS, but I'm hoping this just kept improving! That said, I'm so glad he is enrolled and gets that interaction with teachers and peers.

I know all kids react to new siblings in their own way, but just wanted to share my experience.

[britbratjf]

Thanks mightybee. That's a concern of mine. If I was having the baby now I would t worry as much since she's at least established a positive relationship with her teachers & other kids. But next year it'll be a whole new class & teachers on top of the new baby. Ugh. I'm sure she'll adjust and that she'd get upset for a bit regardless of whether she went 2 or 3 days. But it's still hard.

[cookiesandwine]

I just realized that within just a few months over the summer/fall Sadie will have new house, new baby, new daycare, plus starting preschool. So either way Dagny will be better off than poor Sadie LOL

[trixi282]

Jan 16, 2015 15:32:41 GMT -5 cookiesandwine said:

I just realized that within just a few months over the summer/fall Sadie will have new house, new baby, new daycare, plus starting preschool. So either way Dagny will be better off than poor Sadie LOL

Yeah, you're like us... from December - June it's going to be a big 'ol mess for Joey. 
Move to MN, new "home" living with family, start a new daycare (after being "home" switching between my mom/FIL), then moving again into (hopefully) our new house, potentially another new daycare/preschool, and new baby... and daddy has a new work schedule...  Poor kid will hate us.

[abseptember]

I'd do the 3 day class for sure. I am also SO jealous that you found a program that is 4 hours! All the ones here are like 1.5-2.5 hours and I'd really like to find a longer program.

[mrsrek10]

When I got off maternity leave, JA went to a morning program every day for 3 hours (8-11) while I did office hours on campus. I loved the balance of adult time and JA time. Then when he was a year, I wanted to start building up my consulting business but kept my GTA position so I moved him to a full time home daycare. I cried and thought he would think I had abandoned him by being there all day. So, of course, I called my mom and what she told me may help you (and you other big changers)...

Kids are way more resilient and adjust better to change. Think about it, as they are growing and learning, EVERY new skill or awareness is a "change". So life for them is a constant state of change because what they understand/are able to do changes. Also, the people around them change often...new daycare workers, kids coming/going from daycare, people they see at church or the store, family/friends visiting your house, lots of changing people outside of mom & dad. And, there may be tears because it is different; but kid's tears stop much quicker than mommy's do when things change.


That stuck with me and she was right...all our transitions to new daycare and new house have been easier on JA than me!