If I earned a dollar every time someone asked me if my child is enrolled in preschool, I’d be living quite comfortably. The puzzled expressions I receive after saying, “No, my daughter isn’t in preschool,” are just baffling. Sometimes, I even get unsolicited advice on why preschool is essential, and that I’m somehow failing her by not sending her.
Here’s the reality: preschool in Los Angeles is practically a fortune. Okay, maybe it’s not a literal fortune, but it’s a hefty sum. My family doesn’t have that kind of money to spare. Sure, I could return to work and funnel most of my paycheck into preschool fees, but then I’m left with the conundrum of what to do with my younger child. Two kids in preschool? That’s a budget nightmare!
And yes, I’ve heard about free preschools, but we apparently earn just enough to be “too wealthy” to qualify. As for transitional kindergarten, based on my daughter’s birthday, she doesn’t meet the age requirement either.
I fully acknowledge the advantages of preschool. I once thought my kids would certainly attend. But once I crunched the numbers, my perspective changed.
Contrary to popular belief, stay-at-home moms like me don’t lounge around watching daytime TV shows and snacking all day (I save that for after bedtime!). My daughter is bright; she knows her numbers, shapes, spelling, and even a bit about dinosaurs and planets. She’s social too—shy, but social. We have playdates and group activities lined up every week to ensure she interacts with peers. We explore museums of all kinds—art, space, and natural history—where she’s absorbing knowledge. She’s also engaged in sports like soccer, gymnastics, and dance, all of which help her build social skills and follow instructions from coaches.
Those who know my daughter are aware of her shyness. Some suggest that preschool might help her come out of her shell. Perhaps, but it’s also possible that even with preschool, she may still be shy. I remember my own preschool days; I was the quiet kid hiding behind the coat racks, clinging to my mom until the second grade.
It’s worth noting that preschool isn’t mandatory in California—kindergarten isn’t either. My child will only be this age once, and I want to savor every moment. I’m not going to justify my choices to family, friends, or even strangers who think they know better. My daughter is incredible, and I’m doing a fantastic job raising her.
For those who have the means to send their kids to preschool, I think it’s wonderful. It just isn’t the right fit for us.
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In summary, my daughter is not in preschool, and she will thrive without it. I’m committed to providing her with all the experiences she needs to grow and learn at home.