In the article “Socialization and Learning at Home for My 3-Year-Old,” the author, a stay-at-home mom of two, explains why she has chosen not to send her 3-year-old daughter to preschool just yet. Despite recognizing the benefits of a preschool program, the author believes that staying at home with her daughter works best for their family. She values the opportunity to curate daily experiences, such as museum visits and playdates, and believes that her daughter is still thriving socially through other interactions. Additionally, the author emphasizes that her daughter continues to learn, play, and grow at home, and she wants to savor every moment with her young children while they are still little. This heartfelt decision comes from the understanding that these precious years are fleeting, and for now, being at home together is the right choice.
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Why My 3-Year-Old Is Still Home With Me
Being a stay-at-home mom of two, the decision to send the oldest child to preschool is a common question. However, the author of this article is not quite ready to send her 3-year-old daughter to preschool, and she shares her reasons why. The author acknowledges the benefits of preschool but also believes that staying at home is best for her daughter at this stage in their lives. Here’s why:
It Works for Our Family
The decision to keep the 3-year-old at home with the author is primarily based on what works best for their family. Logistically, preschool can be quite expensive, and since the author is already at home full-time caring for her children, enrolling in preschool is not necessary. Additionally, the daughter has unique dietary needs that require careful attention throughout the day, and being the one to care for and feed her gives the whole family peace of mind. The money saved from not enrolling in preschool can be allocated towards other activities that enrich the daughter’s experiences. Ultimately, having both children at home with the author makes the most sense for their family dynamics.
I Get to Curate Daily Experiences for My Daughter
One advantage of having the 3-year-old stay home is the author’s ability to curate daily experiences for her daughter. Rather than being confined to a preschool classroom, the daughter can join the author and her younger brother in various adventures and memory-making activities. They often visit favorite spots such as the science museum, play cafe, zoo, and park. Moreover, they actively participate in ballet classes, library storytime, and regular playdates. The author takes joy in curating these experiences for her children and appreciates the flexibility to do so while they are young.
My Daughter is Still Thriving Socially
Contrary to the common belief that preschool is necessary for socialization, the author asserts that her daughter is not at a disadvantage socially by staying home with her. In fact, the daughter is exposed to a wide range of people across different age groups and settings on a daily basis. In addition to their kid-centric adventures, they also navigate everyday life activities together, such as grocery shopping, FaceTiming with grandparents, and accompanying other family members to doctor appointments. These experiences provide ample opportunity for the daughter to interact with others. Furthermore, being home allows her to develop a special bond with her baby brother, contributing to her social growth.
She Is Still Learning, Playing, and Growing
The author firmly believes in the importance of play as the work of a child. However, even beyond play, the author, who has an educational background, takes pleasure in creating learning activities for her children. Keeping the 3-year-old at home does not mean that she spends her days watching cartoons all day. Although screen time is occasionally used, the daughter continues to learn, play, and grow on a daily basis. By having the 3-year-old home, the author can ensure that her daughter is learning in a way that suits her individual needs and interests.
The Days Are Long, but the Years Are Short – I Want to Savor Every Moment With My Children
Staying at home with her two young children, including her 3-year-old, gives the author the precious opportunity to cherish every fleeting moment with them while they are still little. The author acknowledges that though the days may feel long, time passes quickly, and she wants to savor every moment. She finds a balance between engaging in meaningful activities and allowing rest and relaxation when needed. This freedom to choose and embrace the present is something the author deeply appreciates.
My 3-Year-Old Won’t Be 3 Forever
The decision of when to send a child to preschool is deeply personal and varies for each family. For some, it may not be an option, while for others, it may not align with their beliefs and circumstances. For the author, keeping her 3-year-old at home with her is the best-case scenario for their family, at least for now. She acknowledges that her daughter won’t be little forever and emphasizes the importance of cherishing the time they have together. The author is content with their current arrangement and values the joy and connection they experience by spending their days together.
In conclusion, the author has made a deliberate choice to keep her 3-year-old daughter at home with her. This decision is based on what works best for their family, the opportunity to curate daily experiences, the understanding that her daughter is thriving socially, the belief in the importance of play and learning, and the desire to savor every moment with her children. The author appreciates that her daughter won’t be 3 forever and embraces their present circumstances.
