Torn over sitter vs. preschool

MissLMS

Since K was 14 weeks old she has been going to a sitter who is a SAHM who happens to live nextdoor. It's been a wonderful situation... she goes there 3 full days a week... and we feel super lucky... Kennedy loves going over there and the sitter's son is her best friend. After #2 is born, we've already talked to them about watching the new baby as well as Kennedy.

But, at the same time, I'm seriously considering sending K to a half-day pre-school program at our church. I feel like she needs more structure and more socialization at her age than what she is getting. Kennedy is VERY active and has a very short attention span. I'm not sure if this is normal for her age or not, but I've had a couple people suggest that a more structured environment like a pre-school might benefit her.

So... if any of you have your LO's in preschool, can you tell a difference once they started? What kind of activities do they do in pre school? How did they adjust, or have they always gone?

At least if we do decide to enroll, K would only be going there in the mornings and then would still go to the same sitter in the afternoons, so hopefully it wouldn't disrupt her too much. She wouldn't be able to start until the fall.

hlw082104

DS has always been in a group environment since he was 3 months old. Now, he is in more of what you are describing in terms of the preschool. He goes to a church preschool from 8:30-11:30, then has lunch and then has is in the same location after school care until around 4:30 or 5 each day. I really think it has been great for him to be in group settings in terms of social skills because we don't have any family who has children his same age and most of our friends had babies a year or more after us which actually makes a pretty big difference imo when they are younger.The children who were in his class in Auburn were his best friends and who he had most all of his play dates with while we lived there. He has learned so much so quickly because he has had some great teachers. He wasn't saying his "s" sound correctly early on and one of his teachers had just graduated in speech pathology and worked with him and us to get him on track. He knows all his letters, numbers (can count almost to 30), colors, shapes, etc. He can remember full stories and songs. And I truly give so much credit to his teachers for being the leading factor in him being fully potty trained at 2.5 years old. Of course, we didn't have the opportunity for him to have a sitter at home or in their own home so I can't compare the two but can tell you it's worked out great for us.

ameliaandmatt

My SIL is a SAHM and has had her son at home since he was born (he's now 3 1/2).  Recently he started going 3 days a week to a Montessori school and the difference in him is remarkable.  He wasn't very aware of social norms for kids before.  He would get very jealous and was not a good share-er. He was also used to having his way all the time and if he wanted something or had a question you had to give it to him/answer him rightthatverysecond.  Since he's been in school and is not the center of the universe 24/7 he has learned patience and how to be a part of a group.  I really do give full credit for that to his new preschool.