No longer a toddler - Preschool

It’s lucky that there are preschools who will accept your young child at just the time that he starts asking questions that are a bit beyond you. Some of the questions inquiring minds want answers to can seem amazing. For instance, the child who just yesterday sought his own answer to the question of how many toy cars could be shoved into the tube of the paper towels, today wants to know what other things are invisible besides air. For the mom who has her hands full taking care of her home and family, it may be easier to give a funny answer rather than sit down and help the child find out.

Don’t start second-guessing yourself as a good mom if you’re not prepared to answer the questions put forth by the preschooler. Your child has an amazing mind, and the things that he wonders about can be varied as well as complex. Take pride at the intelligence this curiosity shows.

Toddlers are a physical challenge. Once the child grows out of this stage, parenting becomes a mental challenge. Many moms are amazed at how quickly the change happens. When they look back, over half of the moms who have kids in school say that preschool years are easier than toddler years. It just takes a little bit of adjustment to the change.

And, there are a lot of changes. Not only will you have to face the decisions on whether your child is ready for preschool, you’ll have to face that dreadful of leaving your child in the school, wondering if he’ll get along with the other kids, if he’ll be well cared for, and if he will pick up any serious germs from the teachers and other students. You’re not alone in your doubts.

Relax. When you pick your child up from the first day of preschool, chances are that the child will be happy and full of a feeling of self-importance. In the rare instance that he isn't, discuss his concerns and if needed, have a discussion with the teachers.

You’ll soon be thankful for the hours that your child is away, leaving you time to deal with your other important duties without those challenging questions.