A Baby Rat Race

Ok, so our daughter is 2 years 4 months… and all the other mommies are exploring preschools. The general “rule” is 2 years 9 months and potty trained as a starting time/point for preschool, at least in the Bay Area.

 I am really struggling with this. I’ve checked out some schools and maybe they weren’t so great — but it was really depressing. Kids packed in, teachers who seemed more like not-so-good nannies, and sanitized environment. I felt the stress coming on of whether Lara would behave herself or if someone would push her… need to make sure she learns her manners quickly and follows the rules so I’m not embarrassed in front of the other mommies.

Is this what I want for my daughter? She learned her ABCs by two years old and is well on her way to counting to 30 or so. She is so happy and confident. Why preschool?

So what would the cave mommies have done? I have a hard time believing that kids as young as 2 to 3 years old were forced into these artificial teaching environments and away from their mommies. This is the age the ego “mine” is developing and it just intuitively feels like the 1:6 teacher ratio would not help reinforce confidence & identity during this fragile time. Also, I’m pretty good with my daughter… I keep her intellectually stimulated and emotionally secure. Can a teacher provide for her needs in the same way? 

I’m leaning towards opting out of the baby-rat-race. Everyone wants their kids to join the gifted schools and eventually go to Harvard. I have the same aspirations for my daughter but not convinced this is the path. I started pre-school at 4 years old and had no problems doing well in school later on. In fact I probably didn’t start doing well until high school. I focused more on having fun and being a kid.