Right Time to Start Preschool

As a mommy and a preschool teacher, my two cents is that you wait until he is older, 3 1/2 or 4. 2 is really young to handle all of the stresses that come with daycare/preschool.
A lot of people think kids need to be around other kids young, but it isn't true. Children do no have the ability to acutallyhave meaningful play and interactions with others until closer to 4. Each child is different and this age can vary, of course. At age two, children engage in parrallel play, meaning they simpling are playing individually with a toy next to another child. For now, you are your childs best teacher. If you want to get him used to other kids, join a mommy and me group. Your local parks and rec should have inexspenive choices.
As for bringing in money. First, daycare costs usually negates the money earned outside the home. Throw in gas, lunches out, dry cleaning and there goes the paycheck. If you don't already, really work grocery deals and coupons, shop clearance racks, home cook meals, iron yourself instead of sending clothes out for pressing. There are so many ways to save money as long as you all are willing to sacrifice and make the necessary life style changes.
You will never regret the time you spent with your son.

I would say wait until your son is potty trained and comfortable with going potty both #1 and #2 by himself. I first sent my daughter to preschool when she was a little older then 3. But she only went for a couple of months. Then had summer break and restarted preschool, just 1 month shy of being 4. She is now in Kindergarten and doing very well. (Can you tell Im proud. I just got her report card.) Anyways, there are some places that start preschool early, like early head start, that takes 1-3 year olds. I considered it for my son, who just turned 3, when he was 2, but decided that he will be going to school for a long chunk of his growing life and he could wait another year or two before he starts preschool. So I would definitely wait until your son is 3-4 years old and potty trained. I think both of you will be much more comfortable.

Be careful asking for advise on a topic like this because you will get a whole lot of responses from moms, backed by research, who don't know your son. I really think that this is one of those times you need to go with your own intuition about what your son needs. Really examine if you want/need to go back to work, your son will thrive in a preschool environment or home is where he needs to be, if structure now is important or holding off will be better for him, is he getting the socialization he requires or does he need more interaction. I've got a myriad of opinions like everyone else will here, but go with what you know to be true.

Best with your decision!

Jen

Your Husband's 'reason' for putting him in Preschool, now, is so that you can go back to work. So, your son's development/current needs is not being considered....by Hubby.

You on the other hand feel your son is too young. As a woman/Mommy/direct caretaker of your son.... this is your "instinct" about it. YOU are home with him all the time. Thus, you "know" him better.

For me, I go according to what my instincts are about my children... AND based on my kids' needs. Each of my kids are different... gender wise and personality wise as well. So... we approach each one differently. My daughter, started Preschool when she was aapproaching 4 years old. SHE was 'ready' at this age. She was EAGER to go to school. I am a SAHM... so for us, having our kids' have 1 year of "Preschool", before starting Kindergarten, is enough. Because at home, I home-school them too, anyway.
For my son, he is 3 years old, NOT in Preschool... and we will probably start him at about 4 years old as well. But we will see....its not engraved in granite yet.

If you/Hubby has a need for you to go back to work already... due to finances, then well, that is another topic. But, if you had planned to be a "SAHM" or to stay home longer with your son AND are able too... then you NEED to discuss that with your Husband, and state your case.... and desire to do so. ULTIMATELY... this is/should be, a joint decision. Right?

If you are able to, and can afford it and you are fine with staying home with your son... then I don't see why has to go to Preschool "now." He is very young. And... they say that "boys" should start school later, versus girls. Their whole maturity is different, and they need to bond with "Mommy" longer... which is beneficial for them. This is a commonly regarded perspective on boys and when to start them in "school." You can probably research it online... and then discuss with Hubby.

All the best,
Susan

I completely agree with Jen---but I'll give you my opinion. =-) I put my daughter in Preschool when she was 2 1/2 and she went every other day from 9-12. She then went when she was 3 the same time length. When she started PreK she went every day from 9-12. We loved it and so did Kennedy. She did very well with their program. I now have a 6 week old son and we'll do the exact same with him. Good luck to you!! And do what feels right for you and your husband and your son!!

yes too early for preschool if thats the intention but if you need to go back to work then it's not going to hurt him to be in daycare. If you don't really need to work and want to stay home then I'd say wait. I have a feeling you want to stay home though :)

My son has been in preschool now since January, and his birthday is in July. He was basically 2.5 and has only gone for two days a week for 3-5 hours since then, and he loves it. But, again it depends on what the real reason truly is for the move to school.

I agree with Jen follow your gut and make sure this is a move you are making for your son and not for other reasons.