These precious years

Valerie Bendt writes, "Our children don't need special programs. They need us. These little ones are so precious. it's important that we give them lots of hugs, cuddles, and books read on laps. it's important for them, and it's important for us. They won't be little forever. Let's not one day regret that we did not spend more time enjoying our preschoolers".

Ollie will be 3.5 years old next Feb. The right age to start preschool. I've had him on the waiting list at a preschool near Steve's work since he was 6 months old. They're going to send me a letter offering a place (i think) in a month or two and I'm supposed to respond and let them know if I want to take the place or not. If they don't send me the letter, then all is good as there won't be any choice to make and he'll be at home with me. Even if they do have a place for him, at the moment I'm more leaning towards turning it down (yes, everyone will be horrified, what no preschool? What about socialisation?!?). The only reason I will have for sending him to preschool is if I need a break (health reasons, another baby etc). It won't be for his benefit. I don't think that any preschool program can ever compare to anything I could do at home with him. Even if i didn't formally do a 'program' he would be so much happier at home. We'd be able to do what we wanted. We'd be able to spend this lovely year together (with Matty too, and daddy) just being together. We'd have relationship. Why would I give away the best years of my child's life to someone else? We could do crafts, though Ollie doesn't much care for that at the moment. We could cook. We could read. We could explore. We could have so much fun!

I don't understand why people think that a preschool 'program' is so important. They are 3 for goodness sakes! They don't need to know the alphabet. They don't need to be able to cut or hold a pen correctly. All these formal academic skills are nothing compared to other skills which are important for a child to have which they're not going to teach you at preschool (What with 2 teachers for every 15 children?). I want our children to be firstly obedient to their parents. Then i want them to have skills that contribute to family life, eg. knowing how to do age appropriate chores. I want them to enjoy reading and learning.