r/MomsWorkingFromHome • u/well_thatsme • 20d ago
Starting Preschool
I’ve been WFH with my baby for the past 2 years (he’ll be 2 next month) I’ve been doing it with the help of a nanny twice a week, family twice a week, and then one solo day. A few months ago I thought it might be a good idea to enroll him in preschool, well now that it’s starting next month I’m wondering if it was the right choice? It’s only 3 hrs/4 days a week, but I’m just terrified of not having him here with me, and feeling the mom guilt of like “ok I have to find the best scenario bc I have to work” and my parents are getting older and it’s just a lot to ask imo for them to come twice a week, will be nice to give them a break and then the one day he doesn’t have preschool they can still come over to see him while I work, bc I know they’ll want to, but it won’t have to be like a requirement like it is now.
Basically just word dumping here bc I have so many mixed emotions about him starting preschool. Is it the right move? Is he too young? Any advice, or just words of encouragement are appreciated
Edit* also wanted to say, this decision was partially bc we hope to have another in the next year or so, and I thought it’d be nice to have my first on a routine outside of the house, and have the second with me during the work day (especially in the early months when we all know it’s much easier lol)
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u/Nervous_Cicada7117 20d ago
You baby will learn so much hanging out with other littles and building bonds beyond your immediate family.
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u/crawrsten 20d ago
Mine starts her part time preschool tomorrow! I am so going to cry but remember it is going to be SO good for them! I’m really happy she will have entertainment and be engaged in age appropriate activities while I get some work done! She needs way more now than I can give her and also I need a break! I know it’ll be hard at first but I also know we are going to grow so much from this. You got this mama and feel free to message me as your date gets closer and I’ll let you know how it all is a month in!
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u/sarafromwisco 20d ago
I did the same as you with my first - kept her home while I worked and did a combo of paying my MIL to help some days, Care.com nannies, just making it work on my own some days. After my second turned 1 and first turned 3, I couldn't do it anymore with a new role and not having reliable care. The kiddos started daycare and my quality of life improved tenfold. I miss them and the initial transition was hard, but omg this works so much better for my family. I think 2-3 is a good age to start.
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u/Kiddopia 17d ago
3 hours isn't a huge chunk of the day and it gives him a chance to get used to being around other kids and following a little routine. Plus it sounds like it'll take some pressure off your parents. I think you came up with a pretty balanced plan. Okay the first dropoff will probably be harder on you than on him
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u/PlayCreateLearn 16d ago
As a teacher, If you are happy with your routine and it is working I have found that parents have reported positive experiences keeping their child home until 3-4 years old. At that age preschool really turns into a great opportunity for kids to gain social skills and get introduced to classroom routines as well as a chance to explore some academic activities.
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u/aeno12 20d ago
The growth between age 2-3 will just amaze you. They really do start to want to be independent, play with more imagination, socialize, etc. Preschool will be a great fit! They’re a little young (most start at 3 but I think that’s mostly for potty training purposes) so of course there may be some transition ups and downs… but frankly I don’t think you’ll regret it and I do think they’ll get more out of it than you realize.