Gramma watches me

by Marlen Castaneda
(Princeton texas)

Most parents seem to believe that babies and toddlers who go to daycare centers and pre schools at this young age are better prepared for school. They enter Kindergarten knowing how to write their names and knowing their colors. This is all very good and important for a growing child. I am a mother of a 4 children ages 16 to 7 months and each one of my children were not raised in either daycare or pre schools.

I do agree they are beneficial but I don't think that not going is damaging to them. My oldest who is 16 is a sophomore and has all pre-ap classes. She has always been very advanced. I helped her to learn to read and write when she was in school and she quickly learned. My other daughter who is 11 is also pretty advanced. My son is now 6 and is learning pretty good to read and write. My baby is very curious to her surroundings and is always watching closely to learn new habits.

My children and myself did not go to daycare and I don't feel we lost anything for it. I know it has its benefits and so does staying home. Children learn they can safely step out of their safe environment and have someone hold them. They have security and assurance and learn to move at their pace.

Both have benefits.

Erika's Reply: Marlen, thanks for sharing your experience with us. We too have experienced the benefits of having our daughter stay home longer. She's really confident and does well in new situations; such as her recent transition to part-time pre-school.

I know many parents don't have the option to stay at home with their children, so it's good that it's not the only way to raise a bright and confident child.

However, I agree, it is affirming to see the fruit of at-home-parent-care when you are getting so many messages from media, educators and peers that your child would be better off socially and intellectually in the hands of a child development professional. Wishing you continued success!