Blog
Parenting journeys and adventures

From Guest Blogger Taryn Skees, “Mommy Guilt: Sending my kids to preschool”

Mommy Guilt: Sending my kids to preschool

When we started our children in preschool at ages 2 and 3, my husband and I looked at this as an excellent way to expose our kids to a structured learning environment and develop their budding social skills. As a stay at home mom, I worried that my kids were bored, that I wasn’t stimulating them enough educationally and that their obvious tendency towards being sociable kids was going to be stifled.

Sending them every Tuesday and Thursday for a curriculum-based “all-day” preschool was a decision that we didn’t take very lightly. We did extensive research to find the right fit and interviewed staff members who would interact with our kids. We couldn’t be happier with the school we chose, not only because the boys love going, but also because the level of learning exceeded our expectations. Clearly our kids were ready for the school environment.

However, to my surprise, when I casually talk amongst other moms about sending my boys to preschool, I often sense some criticism. It’s hidden in the “Wow, they sure started young,” and the “They go all day?” Or sometimes it’s a more blatant “Aren’t you a stay-at-home-mom?” insinuating that I’m being selfish by choosing to give myself a “break” twice a week.

I will admit that at times, I allow the judgmental comments from others to get to me. Sometimes I do feel guilty. I briefly doubt our decision to start them so young. They’re only little once, after all, is it fair to start their school career this early on? And making them go from 8-5, am I over exhausting them? Their minds? Their little bodies? Will others view me as a lazy mom who ditches my kids and sits at home in front of the tv all day?

And then my husband brings me back down to earth, reminding me why this decision was the best choice for our family.

My boys are oozing with creativity. They need to express themselves amongst their peers, not just to their mom day in and day out. Their behavior improved after starting school. They learned first hand how following directions isn’t just something their mean parents make them do – it’s required in settings outside of home too! My youngest was a late talker. Having a rare craniofacial condition inhibited his speech development. We were addressing it at home through therapies and exercises. But once he started school, his vocabulary took off. He is really excelling and now doesn’t even qualify for therapy through the state!

Furthermore, the “break” I get those two days a week benefit my family in many ways as well. I’m able to get things organized – my home, my mind, my spirit. And you may be surprised to know that when they’re gone, I rarely “relax”. I utilize these precious hours to grocery shop without 4 little grabby hands, change wet sheets, volunteer with nonprofit organizations like the Ronald McDonald House and CCA. After all, a mother’s work is never done!

It is a rare occasion when I drop the boys off at school, climb back into bed and catch up on my DVR. But when I do, I owe it to myself to push the guilt aside and enjoy my time alone!

To read more from Taryn, check her out at http://www.moreskeesplease.com/

Previous Comments