10 THINGS I WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOWN BEFORE ENTERING PRESCHOOL

+ its not what you think

Last week’s substack started a lot of side conversations around preschool. So I did some polls with some of you ( my amazing readers) to find out what they wish they would have known before entering preschool. These are the top 10 !

• Do your research regarding what type of school you want for your kids AND visit the school. A lot of times we think we understand what the different education methods ( Montessori, Play-Based, Waldorf method, Forest,…) are and make assumptions that are not always based on reality.

• There are a lot of schools that make you jump through hoops to secure a spot. Make sure you realize that the schools that are making you do the extra work before they get into schools, will only have higher expectations after you get in the school. So also be true to yourself about the expectations you have for yourself, your family, and the role the school will play.

• You need to label everything. Yes, even underwear.

• Send them with an extra change of clothes and have an extra set of clothes in the car- they always come back DIRTY.

• On that note, if you, like me, like to have your kid in cute outfits. Give up. It won’t happen. Unless the kid goes to a Montessori, they ruin everything. I had to buy special school outfits because my kid looks homeless by the time I pick him up. I have been told being messy is part of their development - so, I’m just breathing in and out , and letting go

• The moment they get into school, they are basically walking little viruses. They will bring all of it home, and everyone will get sick. Constantly. I have been told this gets better after they are in kindergarten - I pray.

• The amount of communication from the schools. It’s NEVER-ENDING. On apps, emails, phone calls etc. Plus expect a new WhatsApp group - with all the parents in the class- which can/will also get intense.

• This only came up for my US readers- as it doesn’t seem to be such a thing abroad. But expect all American schools to be fundraising, constantly, especially the private ones. Talk to the school about their fundraising efforts beforehand so you know what to expect financially and also time-wise.

• You might not like a lot of the parents. And that’s ok. I had a couple of different people mention this. Just because you birthed kids in the same year, doesn’t mean you have much/ anything in common. That being said there are always a couple of cool parents, and it is nice to grow the community and have a bigger support system when it comes to your kids.

• This is probably the most important one -Your kids will LOVE IT. Every single person who wrote mentioned this. I was personally hesitant to get Atlas into school early, but by the time the arrival of my 2nd kid was imminent I could not have both of them in the house, especially with all the toddler energy. But the truth is, it has been such a blessing. He is engaged and curious and it’s been amazing to see his growth since we started. 100% worth all the headaches, viruses, and group chats lol.

What do you wish you would have known before starting preschool? Do let us know in the comments.

Besos,

Victoria