PLAYGROUP OR NOT

hi, I sent my son to PG, once he hit 18mths and I was still SAHM.. I received many divisive, unsolicited advice, even from my son's teachers, who personally chose not to send her son to PG cos she felt better to wait till he's 3.. the thing is we are us, they are them, what matters most is what we feel works for us, best for ourselves and our kids.. I chose to send my son for 2 simple reasons: he seemed like a highly sociable kid, always looking to play with other kids at the park. And I wanted some sanity after 1.5 years looking after him, with plans to return to work eventually once he stabilises in school.. He did, after a year of separation anxiety crying and I have been working almost a year now..

You can look for kindergarten that has 2hrs program for playgroup and nursery 1. Good to go attend school as child will have social skills, learn routines, pick up new skills! Honestly speaking, many children are lacking in social skills because children born during these two (covid baby) yrs lack of interaction with other children. They don’t get to go for field-trips, play at neighbourhood playground etc. i see some children feeling afraid and lacking in social skills. So, i would recommend you getting your child to go to school to interact and socialise with friends! Anyway, 2hr program just let your child have fun!

There will be options for this ques. If u want him to expose for more social time, it will be good. But as for me, i setup routine for my kids. Make it like a 'childcare' routine at home. Time for reading, arts, free time and all that. Trust me, they will get used to it. I used to tink like u, but i send them Nursery. For social interactions, playground there is. Other than than, nursery to k2 is more of preparation for the primary school. If u can teach them or manage their time, why not ?

It depends on your own comfort and budget. I guess most parents send their LO to PG due to work or FOMO (like my sister). My younger bro and sis only attended nursery whereas my nephews and nieces attended PG. Not pinpointing anyone but my siblings are smarter than my nephew (my nephew and younger sis are classmates) in terms of talking and knowledge..

I send my kid to school at N2. Meanwhile, I fill up her time teaching, doing montessori activities, socialise with her cousins etc. She never had issues adapting and keeping up on school except for that usual first week if separation anxiety.