Preschool Perils

Well, when we left for Arizona I was convinced that after we returned E would be starting preschool. We'd have to make last minute trips to the mall for new gym shoes or a backpack, and stock the cupboard with snacks.

It didn't work out that way.

I had given the $50 deposit to hold her spot, but something just wasn't sitting well with me. I had an overwhelming anxious feeling about moving her into the direction of public schooling (I'm talking immediate panic upon waking up every morning and the sensation not going away all day). D and I still are very much convinced that we'd like to home school E, and I've really been on the fence about what enrolling her into preschool would do for us. We are really fortunate to be part of a pretty strong pro-homeschooling community in our small city, but we also live across the street from a pretty great K-8 co-op school where we'll absolutely be a part of the classroom if that's what pans out. Either way there's no way around her need for learning how to work with other children her age, respecting other adults as authority figures in her life etc. etc.

So, why not preschool? Well, I just chose poorly. This particular one meets in a church 3 blocks from our house. It seemed like a good possibility, but after attending the open house this last Wednesday we both left a little concerned that it was more like a Sunday school 3 days a week than a kindergarten prep. So we pulled her. No bad feelings, it just wasn't the right fit for our family. I am finally relieved. We may revisit the possibility of getting her in somewhere after Christmas Break, but for now we're plenty busy with soccer, swimming lessons and gymnastics not to mention our time with Mabel, and the other multiple play dates on the calendar! Whew!