Our Simple Life

Why the rush?

It seems like our society has become obsessed with children "schooling" at way too young of an age. I can't tell you how many times a parent has said something to me about their child not doing "enough" in the way of academics (and they're only 2 or 3 years old) or that their child is WAAAYYY above other children their age and will probably be a brain surgeon or something equally brilliant when they're an adult. I know parents naturally want their child to do well but, to me, it's too much. Look at how the stores all push the "brain-boosting" materials and toys for toddlers and preschoolers (probably even babies). Why do kids need to be pushed? They are natural learners. They learn to talk by listening and they learn to crawl and walk out of the physical desire to do it; so why all the pressure for "school"?

What is it that children are rushing toward? Late childhood, being a teenager, adulthood? WHY?!?  Early childhood is supposed to be a time of play and exploration; being read to and playing games; building with blocks and putting puzzles together. It makes me very sad when I see the stress the parent puts on themself who wants their child to excel so badly. Instead of enjoying the blessing of those first several years, they spend it worrying about academic achievement.

I have a four year old son, J (he turned four a month ago) and I guess it's been about a year or so now that people ask all the time if he goes to school (or rather, "Where does he go to school?"). It's just assumed that all preschool-aged children attend school now. For the love of Cheerios-WHY?!? 

About a month ago I found out from an over-zealous mother that they actually have 2K classes in private schools! (And that her daughter was learning to read) The following week a father expressed his concern to me that his son would be starting a 2K class in the spring and he didn't feel he was ready. Today a woman showed surprise that we homeschool and said her son doesn't learn from her and that she could never homeschool him. She said she tries to give him worksheets but he doesn't follow directions. I then  asked how old her son was, and to my shock (but not really) she said, "He's three." I tried to help her relax and encourage her that her son was where he should be and that games work much better for learning at around 4 or 5 years old, but alas, she was content to be miserable about it.

I won't stop trying to help anxious parents, though. Sometimes I get through to a few. They can see the peace I have and I think it's appealing to them. It also seems to help when I mention that even though we don't make "school" a huge thing and that we have a lot of outside time and playtime, that both of our kids are beyond where they would be if they were in school. For example, a lot of what M learns is self-motivated. We give her math and grammar, etc. but she natually loves science and geography and reading. J knows all the letters and practices tracing a lot; he loves to do computer games and 24 pice puzzles. We spend 30 minutes to an hour on "school" each day and then they learn the rest of the day through play and exploration. We school year round since it's so laid back but take days "off" when the need arises (like a day of swimming , etc.)

I pray that things change and parents start backing away from the pressures society puts on them. Children don't need to be little geniuses.

Just my humble opinion.

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6:33 AM, Jan. 29, 2008 .. Posted by ApplesofGold

Amen. I completely agree with you. It's so scary how so many parents have been bamboozled by the early-school craze.
I have a 3 yr old who wants to "do school" like her big brother & sister. So, we do some gentle things for about 30 mins. The rest of the day is playing, puzzles, reading, building, painting, etc. She made an Egyptian cartouche yesterday because her older siblings were. They helped her do it.
They learn so much on their own! Holly

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8:07 AM, Jan. 31, 2008 .. Posted by sixfolks

I agree! Many times, by the end of grammar school, the little "geniuses" are at the same grade level as their peers. Mommies are wondering why they spent those fun toddler years cramming their babies with information. Please don't think I'm being ugly towards these moms, I was one. I believe they are doing what they think is best. And, if everyone is having a great time learning keep it up. I was a little over zealous with my first-born and we were both frustrated by the time he was 4.
Corey