I have seen kids as young as 3 years old starting school. I thought it's too early. For me, they may not be ready yet...and that its preferable that they truly want to go and start already. After all, once they start schooling, it will be after college before it finally ends.
There are some parents who make them go even though they seem hesitant yet. That's why there are many who are stressed with it. The children cry and the parents at wits end. On both sides, it is stressful.
Children will actually be eager for it if they are prepared for it. They will seek for it themselves and will truly enjoy. There will be no stress, there will be no untoward effects to them as compared to those dragged to school. It is just a matter of talking to them at an early age about school, giving them ideas of how enjoyable it is there, and compromise as to when they will start. In my case, two years prior to the time I believe it is best that she start, I mentioned school. A year before, I asked her though I knew she still will be hesitant just so we can agree and compromise that next year she will. She is prepared, my kid.
And there is no single stress even the very first day. She is excited, eager and very happy. I AM TRULY A PROUD MOMMA because I know I raised and is raising her well. This photo here is her very first day and she is the very first to respond to the teachers question. She truly is ready =) And may I add, she is the only first timer in her class but she is more attentive, more participative and even smarter than some (wink!)
My 4 year old still do not want to go to school. Of course it's not her choice, but I myself do not go with early schooling. After all, the moment they start it will be years before it finally ends with her in her Toga.
I have always wondered why did they ever decided to add more years in the preparatory level. In my days schooling starts at 6 years of age for a kindergarten level. It is optional that they take nursery. I agree with that arrangement since even as children their capabilities differs already, blaming it on the "genes". I still believe that it is the parents responsibilities to ensure their early developmental stage be enhanced and guided. So, if parents could not provide this, it is their option to put their kids at day care or the optional early schooling classes which we used to call here as "saling pusa". Then depending on their progress they either stay in that level and move on yearly as natural or be placed on a higher level if advanced in learning and abilities or what is termed as Accelerated.
Now obviously a strategy of school administrations in earning a little more, though putting up front the reason of a more in depth training and development for kids, has started and is requiring students this required prerequisites. Well, some school are considerate more than others in selflessly thinking of the children's welfare as well as the family budget, allowing kids to skip a year or even two depending on their advanced learning abilities and skills. I know the importance of schooling and the reason for preparation. I have given her enough knowledge to even surpass other children of her age have. But I believe that there need to be normalcy when it comes to her belonging-ness to kids her age, which is what we don't have here at home. We're all adults, the reason why she talks and thinks like an adult.
And so I decided to make use of this offer of a Summer Kinder Program in our church (Iglesia Ni Cristo) to prepare my kid, to let her have a feel of school, mingle with kids and e
xposure to worldly disappointments and successes. After which, when she turns five, I'm sure she will be ready to face the real world. A world outside what she's used to. Not the perfect little world anymore, of everyone around her loves her and where everything she needs and prefers were given her. But that time I know she will be ready because the foundation we built for her at home were strong. She's secure, she's confident and she's firm in her belief of following God's words even among unbelievers.
We have to admit that it is not easy being a mother. The responsibility of being one ranges from being a care giver, provider, teacher, companion…and so on and so forth. BUT for me, what matters most is my being a “mother” to my kid. The guidance to her step my step growing up, from spiritual to physical needs.
I have seen working mom’s leaving early morning and returning at night. A few time left to rest before calling it a night and start another day. The so-called quality time almost forgone with the household chores, and to which sometimes given only on weekends. (So glad to be a Stay At Home Mom). Thus goes to mind the learning needs of kids. It is nice to know that the past “start of school age” of six now can be at an early age of three. Unlike me to have a lot of time to feed the mind of my daughter, some do not. They leave their kids to be looked upon by house-helps as they leave for work. And you will be so lucky to hire house-help that can teach them as much as you do. That is why ideally, these days toddlers are better seen at school than just home. I believe that it is natural that children start their learning during the developmental stage, while their brains are being the “sponge” that absorbs every little detail.
So, if you think that you are not able to give them enough time to teach and guide, let the school do that for you SOMEHOW. Somehow, because there is nothing like the guidance of a parent. You still would need to give them as much time as you can, at least by following up. Then comes the spiritual needs that, we, as parents are obliged to introduce and lead them to.
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