I’ve been chatting to moms at the office about nursery schools and my take is that kids absorb and learn the most in this foundation phase so it pays to send them to a good nursery school that stimulates and educates as opposed to just watching them and making sure they don’t kill themselves. Have heard horror stories of kiddies watching cartoons all day at creche. I was surprised to find that the people I spoke to said they’re not spending too much on their children’s nursery school but will rather send them to a good junior school and someone even said high school (gulp!) Am I wrong in thinking that these years are the most important and that they’ll learn the most now? The feeling I got was that people were hoping to have money to send their kids to private schools later and for now let them just go to the cheapest daycare they can find as it’s not that important.
BigTomsMom
Life in the mom lane
BigTomsMom 
Thanks – glad to hear someone else thinks the same.
Thanks – glad to hear someone else thinks the same.
Your post scared me.As you know Minki stays at home with her nanny. Nanny does her best to play edu-games, read and teach Minki certain things, but the fact that Nanny speaks Sotho first, Eng second and THEN Afr, makes it a challenge at best.14months is so young, I just can’t get my head around sending her to creché, even knowing that it is essential for her to inter-act and socialise with other kids.Now I will have a sleepless night again fretting over this (thanx).
Your post scared me.As you know Minki stays at home with her nanny. Nanny does her best to play edu-games, read and teach Minki certain things, but the fact that Nanny speaks Sotho first, Eng second and THEN Afr, makes it a challenge at best.14months is so young, I just can’t get my head around sending her to creché, even knowing that it is essential for her to inter-act and socialise with other kids.Now I will have a sleepless night again fretting over this (thanx).
Well I’ve read that they can really only ‘kop’ things from the age of 2 onwards – so Nanny is fine for now – and Nanny is one on one – not a troop of kids running wild – and Minki has playdates with that little friend of hers so I don’t think you should fret about her. I was talking about the 2 yr + group. I think Minki can only benefit from having one dedicated adult taking care of her and just letting her do her thing for now. Sorry to have scared you – should’ve made it clear which age group I was referring to…
Well I’ve read that they can really only ‘kop’ things from the age of 2 onwards – so Nanny is fine for now – and Nanny is one on one – not a troop of kids running wild – and Minki has playdates with that little friend of hers so I don’t think you should fret about her. I was talking about the 2 yr + group. I think Minki can only benefit from having one dedicated adult taking care of her and just letting her do her thing for now. Sorry to have scared you – should’ve made it clear which age group I was referring to…
A child learns more in the first six years of life than at any other time. A good pre-school is critical as is a good primary school. The foundation phase (pre-school to grade 4)is being more and more emphasised by educators so I really don’t think you can skimp on this area of education. They have so much to take in in this time, they need the correct skills to cope. xxx
A child learns more in the first six years of life than at any other time. A good pre-school is critical as is a good primary school. The foundation phase (pre-school to grade 4)is being more and more emphasised by educators so I really don’t think you can skimp on this area of education. They have so much to take in in this time, they need the correct skills to cope. xxx
I’m forever bleating about schools and how expensive they are, but you absolutely have to invest in the early days!
I’m forever bleating about schools and how expensive they are, but you absolutely have to invest in the early days!
Absoludle – they’re like sponges at this time – I see it everyday with T – he can see us doing something once and out of nowhere hours or days later… he’ll be doing it!
Absoludle – they’re like sponges at this time – I see it everyday with T – he can see us doing something once and out of nowhere hours or days later… he’ll be doing it!
Hey Shell,I completely agree that you cannot put on a price on a decent education…especially at this stage. But on the other hand just because it is the most expensive doesn’t make it the best!! We were sending Connor to a school with astronomical fees and were not happy at all, we’re now sending him to a place that costs less than half (i.e from R2650 to R1300 pm) and he’s like a different person!! No matter what price range you look for, just make sure you’re happy with school!!Have a good one 🙂
Hey Shell,I completely agree that you cannot put on a price on a decent education…especially at this stage. But on the other hand just because it is the most expensive doesn’t make it the best!! We were sending Connor to a school with astronomical fees and were not happy at all, we’re now sending him to a place that costs less than half (i.e from R2650 to R1300 pm) and he’s like a different person!! No matter what price range you look for, just make sure you’re happy with school!!Have a good one 🙂
Thanks Bron!
Thanks Bron!
I think all stages are important,have tried to give the kids the best care/schools we can afford and sometimes private schools aren’t the best for your kids….depends on your area and your kids
I think all stages are important,have tried to give the kids the best care/schools we can afford and sometimes private schools aren’t the best for your kids….depends on your area and your kids
I agree, a daycare where they just ‘babysit’ the kids is wrong. They should get stimulated and learn new things. My Angel loves school, to learn, the structure and of course the social life. I think a good daycare or nursery school is as important as the rest.
I agree, a daycare where they just ‘babysit’ the kids is wrong. They should get stimulated and learn new things. My Angel loves school, to learn, the structure and of course the social life. I think a good daycare or nursery school is as important as the rest.
So true – thanks.
So true – thanks.
Yup – I think that’s the only way to do it.
Yup – I think that’s the only way to do it.
I know – it’s expensive but it’s going to pay off one day when they’re contributing members of society!
I know – it’s expensive but it’s going to pay off one day when they’re contributing members of society!
Yup – thirsty little spunges!
Yup – thirsty little spunges!