Alrighty.. here's a new dilemma. This is not something I have much experience with, but I find myself in the middle of it: Money.
We're not rich. We're not poor. We're "fine". This means we don't live paycheck to paycheck. We have enough to go out to dinner every now and then. I've never had to pinch pennies for groceries and I'm good checking my bank account balance once per week. We can't afford an SUV, even though that would make life easier for me, but we are a 2-car family. We own our home. Bills are not a problem. We bargain shop but if something's not on sale and we need it, we can buy it. That's what "fine" means.
Now, however, I am looking for preschools for Mara. Registration for most preschools begins in January. Mara is only 14 months old (on Saturday 1/23) but she is very social, very bright and very independent. She is bored at home - and her behavior shows it.
I have found a preschool that I believe is a perfect fit for her. It's only for two days a week, half days. But it's EXPENSIVE AS HELL. In order to send her there, we WOULD be living paycheck to paycheck. We WOULD be pinching pennies for groceries. Bills MIGHT be a problem. Okay, so maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but... seriously. It would definitely cramp our economic style.
So now my dilemma is this: Do I send her to a different preschool that I don't feel she'll get as much out of, and save money? Or do I send her to this preschool that I KNOW she likes (we've visited a few times and she always runs right in, totally comfortable) and where I know the staff and like them, and have money be a little tight?
If this were you and your kid, what would YOU choose?
Hey lady! Although I do not have children yet myself, I have many many friends who have already started families and I thought it was so ironic you would post about this just after I had talked to two different friends about this very topic! It seems you are not alone in your dilemma :) Both of my friends ended up going to a less-expensive preschool. Both ended up deciding that the money would be better spent saving up for potential private schools in the future but they felt that preschool was mostly for social skills, which could be obtained in literally any situation and did not require a great deal of money. On the other hand, sending their kid to a higher-end elementary, junior high, and high school seemed more important where they were looking for academic instruction and an environmental fit. Again, I don't have children myself but have just spent quite a bit of time listening to these concerns over the last several months. I am sure whatever you decide is right for Mara and your family will work out just fine :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, that makes a lot of sense. I had a similar thought, although I know for a fact that she'll be in public school (unless she ends up needing alternative education, at which point I'll have to come up with something) so the chances of me needing to save for a private school are basically nil. I could, however, save the money for her college. But I just felt as though maybe I should send her to the better preschool because it would be preparing her for kindergarten, and I can't afford more than 3 days a week anywhere so the quality would need to be better... ugh I don't know.. it's a dilemma for sure! lol
DeleteIf the children have atleast some directed play time/activities at the not-so-good preschool, then it's good enough,I'd say.
ReplyDeleteI think mostly kids of that age just need other children to play with.
My son started Kindergarden, when he was 1,8. He likes it a lot :)
Yep totally. The problem I had with the not so good one was that it was only once per week, for like 2 hours, and a parent had to attend as well. So she'd get zero independent time. :-/
DeleteOh, I seem to not know the difference between preschool and Kindergarten..
DeleteThe age groups here are from about 1 year to 3 and then 3 to 6 or seven.
I guess 1-3 is then preschool. But ruffly it's all Kindergarten.
Once per week, 2 hours, with a parent - wait, that's actually crap.
DeleteHonestly.
My kid started to go like 3 hours a day, every day (but he got sick a lot in the beginning, so he never did those long weeks) and the big point was to get the mums to go away :)
DeleteHaving 0 parenting experience, I have no authority to answer this question, and even if I did have a kid, I would have no authority to tell you what to fo with Mara. That being said, as a psychology student, my personal belief is that these early years are so so so much more important than money. If you sent her to a different preschool that was cheaper would it hurt her? No, most likely not. But I would jump at the chance to put her in an educational and social environment where she would thrive and grow and learn life skills that will help her and stick with her forever. The socialization aspect alone is so valuable.
ReplyDeleteIts of course your decision, but thats my opinion. Also keep in mind that its not forever. And that you and Corky will be growing in your own careers as well with unknown opportunities ahead. I hope you come to a decision your comfortable with either way!
That's kind of what I was thinking... the foundation upon which she'll build her school career is the preschool. So I need to be sure that it's a good place for her to "learn how to learn" if you know what I mean. Tough stuff. Thank you for your input! I always value your opinion <3
DeleteHaving 0 parenting experience, I have no authority to answer this question, and even if I did have a kid, I would have no authority to tell you what to fo with Mara. That being said, as a psychology student, my personal belief is that these early years are so so so much more important than money. If you sent her to a different preschool that was cheaper would it hurt her? No, most likely not. But I would jump at the chance to put her in an educational and social environment where she would thrive and grow and learn life skills that will help her and stick with her forever. The socialization aspect alone is so valuable.
ReplyDeleteIts of course your decision, but thats my opinion. Also keep in mind that its not forever. And that you and Corky will be growing in your own careers as well with unknown opportunities ahead. I hope you come to a decision your comfortable with either way!
I have one kid in public prek and honestly don't think it's worth spending $$$ on if it's going to be a financial stress on the family. My son has really thrived in public prek, has made friends, is learning to read, learning about different cultures, is learning to play with others. Better to put that money towards college, camps, sports or other activities imo. Can you find some local mom groups or other activities to do with her where she will hang out with other kids? The ymca here has some affordable options, not sure if that's available where you live.
ReplyDelete