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May 17, 2012

Preschool!


This post is in follow-up to one I wrote a few weeks ago, entitled, “Preschool? 

I so appreciate the input, both in comments and via email.  [Everyone was so very gracious…offering their honest opinions and experiences, but without fail reassuring me that “there is no ‘right’ decision”.  Thank you.]

After much, much thought (bordering at times on mental anguish), I can finally change the punctuation to something more definitive.

We’re doing it!

I’ve said all along that I’d start the girls in preschool when they were three-ish.  That’s been my gut call…and I finally decided to go with my gut.

I am so excited to think about the girls making new friends, and me, meeting some new moms.

I know that a measured introduction to some structure will be good for them.

I look forward to them having another authority figure.

I think they will really thrive, being challenged in new ways.

My struggles with this decision primarily revolved around the idea that I might be rushing my babies to grow up…about me not soaking up every ounce of them while I can, knowing they’ll be graduating from college before I blink.

While I think those are valid considerations, and I still have pangs thinking about that, I finally decided to look at my decision from a numbers perspective.

The girls will attend preschool two days a week, from 9:00 - 12:00.  That’s six hours.

My guess is that the girls won’t be napping for very much longer.  (Yikes!)  If they currently nap for an hour and a half a day, that’s 7.5 hours a week…more than the time that I’ll be “giving up” to preschool.

It may seem silly to have set up a mathematical equation in this context, but I had to try to put a finite end to my over-thinking.

And, on a serious note, I really think that their preschool experience will augment our time together. 

I so look forward to building on their curriculum topics.  And I think it will be some kind of awesome to be able to talk to them about their day, me not actually knowing what answers to expect.

I am excited about this next chapter.  I think it’s the right decision for us.  And I look forward to soaking it up, too.

8 comments:

Just Another Mom of Twins said...

I can't wait to hear how it goes...I would also be so interested in knowing what that costs in your neck of the woods. It's so expensive here in Calgary!

I too am struggling with this and I will use you as a "guide" LOL!

feels good to be back reading all bout life on your end... :)

Happy Thursday!

IASoupMama said...

Congratulations! Your girls are going to have a fabulous time! I loved when my kids started going to school -- they came home telling me new stories, singing new songs, and I've had so much fun watching them make friends. My daughter hugs her best friend every morning as soon as she sees her -- so cute!

Deanna said...

That's great Mandy! Glad you were able to come to a decision you feel so good about.

Your girls will love it, I have no doubt!

Cuz I'm the mama! said...

I'm so happy for you!! I am glad you feel good about your decision and I think it's going to be great for all of you!! I haven't blogged much about it, but this year (while SUPER preggo and now with the new baby) the girls have attended a little pre-school type program. I will admit the drop-off was rough at first, but my oh my have they thrived and learned so much! It's been great for all of us!! When we return home next year we won't be doing pre-school until the following fall (when they are 4) simply b/c my girls have fall bdays and won't go to K until they are almost 6. But - I will say this short experience with pre-school has solidified it is really great for them and for me. Your girls are ready and they are going to learn so much. I look forward to following along... as you always pave the path for me!!

Christina said...

you won't regret it! It was the best thing I did for my kiddos. :)

cat said...

So happy you made that decision. The biggest win is independence from each other and making their own friends. Which they have to do at a stage

Julia said...

Hooray for a decision!

I know how much thought/prayer/agonizing/sweating went into making this decision, Mandy. So glad that you've landed on something you feel comfortable with for you and your girls. I know it wasn't easy.

I'm looking forward to hearing about all their adventures at preschool come fall. One question---are the girls going to be in the same class? Did you get to choose, or does the school choose that for you? Sorry, that's two questions :)

Unknown said...

This will be a great step for them as they move towards bigger future transitions! I hope they are excited about the adventure!!!