Did you send your only child to preschool?

Marcellus Exler: Kindergarten is much different than it was 20 or more years ago. Back then, kids learned how to sit still, play with other kids their age, and how to identify letters/numbers/colors/shapes. Real reading wasn't expected to start until first grade. Now, kindergarteners are expected to be writing sentences by halfway through the year. They're also expected to do some simple addition. There's a lot more to get done, so kids need to have already learned how to follow directions, stand in line, etc. because there's less time to practice those skills.That's why preschool is very important for many children. That being said, if your child gets opportunities to be in group settings (like library story hour or a tumbling class) and as long as you're working with your child at home by reading/counting/etc., then your child may do just fine in kindergarten without that preschool experience.We actually decided to try a preschool on a friend's recommendation when! my oldest was 3 years old. It was just 2 mornings a week, so I figured that if we didn't like it, we'd just pull her out. I certainly didn't think it was necessary since she and I did so much on our own. Well, she loved it, and so did I. I ended up sending all my kids to the same preschool, and they never went more than 4 half-days per week at any age. They loved it, and we're all so grateful for the experience.Look around in your area, and see if there's a preschool that would be a good fit for your child if you want. Or make sure that you're working with her at home and getting her some experience in group settings....Show more