Is There a "Right" Age to Send Your Kids to Preschool?

Updated on March 27, 2009
H.G. asks from Oceanside, CA
7 answers

Good morning all,
I have 19 month old twin boys, and was wondering if there was a particular age that I should consider putting them in preschool. I get them out to regular playgroups, so I'm not worried about their social interactions.

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A.B.

answers from Dallas on

So glad to hear you're 'not worried about social interactions'! I swear it seems like some think if you stay at home with kids, then they must live under a rock and get no 'socialization'. Anyhoooo...I think there is an age when they are too young, but other than that, no. I do a mother's day out 2 days a week and mine both started around 2. If they don't like it, i'd just try later (if you're even interested in doing that). They will be in school at 5 or 6 so I really don't see the need to rush it. It's been proven there is no intellectual advantage to preschool and all kids kind of even out by 8 or 9yrs of age. Good luck to you...can't imagine having twins! ;)

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S.L.

answers from Savannah on

i was told a great rule by a child care worker that makes great sense: "one day a week of socialization per year of life". as for formal preschool, i would say no sooner than 3 years old, unless you have a need for the structure of it, like i did. i've used the gradual approach on my youngest boy (basically following the above rule) and it's worked out beautifully! i feel that he's totally prepared for Kindy next year and has all social skills needed.

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J.J.

answers from Dallas on

No, there's not a right age. It depends on your kids and lifestyle. I can say that I also have regular play groups for my kids, but my son still very much benefits from a 2 day a week MDO program. It isn't just the social interaction, but also learning to be independent of mommy and respecting authority of the teachers there. I think starting them in a program starting this Fall would be ideal for your kids. There is no "right age", but from my experience and what I have seen in all our friends, 2 would be a very good age to start something part-time. I do think they are too young for full-time preschool.

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M.H.

answers from Dallas on

I stay home with my 20 month old daughter , but taught preschool for over 7 years. There is no "right time, but around 18 mos. and around 4 are typically the best times to start. Developmentally there would be some separation anxiety at 19 months, but there is a strong yearning for socialization and group structure. I would suggest that you make sure the program you choose is really a preschool, not a daycare dressed-up as a school.

I highly recommend DKH Academy in Highland Village (Lewisville area). I know the owner and some teachers there and happy teachers equal happy students. They have an amazing curriculum, home-like atmosphere, and are expanding now, making their previously very exclusive waiting list a non-issue for this coming school year. the classes start with 18-month-olds.

Their number is ###-###-####. I know lots of preschool teachers, let me know if you need a recommendation for another area. Good Luck!

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H.D.

answers from Dallas on

I don't think there is a "right" age but I will say I had major anxiety over sending my son to preschool at the age of 2. He goes 3 days a week. He adjusted so fast! He loved it. The things he learned and is learning blows my mind. He was also really slow to talk. After I started him in preschool I couldn't get him to shut up. LOL I realize this isn't always the case but being that they will have eachother I bet they will do great. Nothing like getting to start school with your best friend, right?

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L.T.

answers from Dallas on

My daughter will be 3 in May and I am sending her in September 2 days a week. She is at inhome care now and social skills are great but she is a big chicken and I think it will help her to have something a little different than she is use to in her life.

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L.V.

answers from Dallas on

It just depends on you. I started my daughter in a preschool at 18 months only because I'm going to school Tuesdays and Thursdays, so when I'm at school she's at school too instead of being at the babysitters watching elmo all day long. She loves school though so I'm really glad she's happy.

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