A Mutual Decision

Just recently, about 70% of my Facebook timeline was about parent's sending their toddlers to preschool. A lot of these kids were first-time preschoolers and of course, these co-Mom's were too excited to see them wearing school uniforms. Some of them had to share captions like waking up before 7am to prepare for day 1 of the new school year and some having difficulties to doze off and they needed to wake up really early. Though I cannot relate on this situation just yet, I share the joy and fulfillment of these Moms. After all, sending kids to school to equip them with the proper education is a parent's biggest achievement.

Some of my friends asked if Daphne will be going to a formal nursery school this year as she is now 3years old. Yes, I want her to and yes I am very eager to! In fact, I already did my school research within the area even before her 3rd birthday. But just as the title says, we as parents came up with a mutual decision and that is to wait for another year.

 

Sometimes, I get confusing reactions once I gave my honest response. Although I am aware that nursery school is not designed to have periodical examinations nor to put pressure to students, we find this age "too early" for a school set-up. So for now, we are happy to do our own assessment of her learning progress at home. We provided her tools and even with flat energy, we make it a point to respond to her never-ending questions about this and that. Some were even surprised as she seems "advance" for her age and I can't be more thankful to our Lord for this declaration.

If there is one thing we would like to gauge that she is indeed ready is when we see her doing things independently without our supervision. Such as how to tie her shoelaces without having told to do so, going to the toilet on her own and how she will clearly convey her thoughts if she needs/wants something. We want her to enjoy her own pace as we guide and prepare her progressively at the same time. Having said that, we don't rush ourselves either even if starting school at a very young age is the common thing now.

At the end of day, we only want what's best for them and only we (parents) can tell if they are indeed ready to take this step. It is not us who will go through studying and this isn't our "race" to complete. Hence, the willingness must come from the kids and not because parents are pushing them to as they already signed a check for the expensive fees. As much as I respect other's opinion about this matter, I also take a stand for ours.

Anyhoo, my nursery school (and even big school) research is ongoing as early as now. Currently, these Christian and Montessori schools have met our requisites. I am also keen to wait for this school that is set to open next month for supplementary activities. Little by little, we are introducing her the "going to school" mindset and giving her a picture of what is being done there. Whenever we ask "do you want to meet new friends and learn to write your name in school?", more often than not, a very exciting response is what we receive. Hopefully in the next few months, we can take her to the prospect school and allow her to observe the soon-to-be new environment.