We are (basically that means I am) having a dillema here in Colorado: to preschool or not to preschool? It is completely a $$ issue right now. We can afford it if we cut off our cell phone and go on no dates ever. Is that worth it? And why can't we live in Utah where is preschool is cheap/free? Man, I wish this were easy! Ashlyn loves Miss Patti and her preschool, but I do not love the $155 a month price tag. I have been hemming and hawing for weeks over this and I still don't know which way to go. So here is my list:
Pros:
- Ashlyn loves it.
- She will learn her alphabet, numbers, etc. better at school.
- Miss Patti has the time and resources to do a better job with everything.
- I don't have to take time out to try and teach her myself.
- She gets away from mom and that pesky little brother.
- She learns cool songs.
- She gets a lot of social interaction with kids her own age (there's not really any in our ward any more).
- She gets to participate in recitals/programs.
- She gets to do arts and crafts/painting/lots of dress up and pretend play.
- Money!!!
Ok, so there's a basic list. I think that my main reason for not knowing what to do is because I'm such a money person, even though the lists are obviously skewed to the "pro" side, it still bothers me to spend so much on this! I was convinced to pay the $100 last year because I know kids in preschool do better in school, and because I thought it would be a great social opportunity for her. It was very nice - but I'm not convinced it was worth $900. I know she doesn't need it academically, but I'm not sure how much she may need it in other ways. Like getting a break from a busy mom and a sometimes annoying brother.
I'm thinking about trying it for the first few months and seeing how it goes, but I'm not sure yet. I know we can do without it - lots of people do. I know she will survive. But I want her to have fun and do cool things while she can. And with all of the discipline problems we've been having I wonder if it will help to give her time away from us. Decisions, decisions...
1 comment:
Well, let me first say that I'm a big fan of home-schooling, so you can take that for what it's worth! Plus, I'm also a "sister in frugality," so money is ALWAYS a big consideration.
Here are a couple of options: Even if you don't plan on "home-schooling" for the long-haul, you could always join a home-schooling co-op in your area, which is much more affordable than $155/month, and that would take care of the "pressure" you may feel about teaching her EVERYthing by yourself. Plus, it would give her time with other children (and it doesn't matter if they're her age-mates or not-- social skills are social skills. Are all of YOUR friends your exact same age? Probably not...). Plus, it would also provide time away from you and little brother (although you would be expected to participate in some fashion; but, if the co-op is big enough, you probably won't have to "teach" in her group. You might get roped into teaching some MATH classes, however, considering your background!)
Another outlet for interaction with other children could be a dance or gymnastics class, and you might find those offered at a discount through your local community center or YMCA, etc. I know here (in WA), you can get 6 weeks of gymnastics/dance classes for around $40. Granted, this will only be once a week, and will probably be less than an hour-- but it's still "something."
We also utilize library story times, which has given both of my girls some valuable interaction with other children; plus, it helps to teach that skill of sitting and listening, which is much more powerful when someone else is doing the talking!
Sorry this was so long... but, that's my "two cents" on the topic!
love,
Lori
Post a Comment