PRESSURE!
We started feeling the pressure before Sophia turned two. The question kept coming from all angles - from friends at church, from other parents in playgroups, even from random people on the bus or subway.
The pressure stemmed from one question: Have you started thinking about what school your child will attend?
It didn't take long for us to realize they weren't talking about kindergarten. They were talking about what schools (not daycares!) we were considering for Sophia when she turned two and if not by two then definitely by three.
The pressure mounted and so we did a little research. It became evident very quickly that we, in no way, could afford for Sophia to go to school. Considering some of the top schools charge $20,000-30,000 a year the choice was made for us.
For the last year Sophia's been in a daycare three days a week. At three years old Sophia is definitely the oldest at the daycare as her peers are all in some kind of formal school. This past week, Laura and I went to the neighborhood public school to check out their preschool. It was fantastic and while we mourn that our daughter will be old enough for preschool come next September, we're glad we're zoned for a good school that has a reputation that has skyrocketed over the past two years.
As for the pressure, we still feel it. When we reveal to others that our daughter is in a daycare and will attend the neighborhood public school, our revelation is often met with pity and/or a sense that we are irresposible parents.
People come to NYC for so many different reasons but an overarching theme among the masses that congregate here is the desire to mix it up with the best of the best whether in business, fashion, art or (fill in the blank here). It's no wonder then that parents put an incredible amount of pressure on themselves and each other to get in those schools that are only a few degrees separated from the Ivy League.
Hey, I want my kids to have a shot at the Ivy League. It's just that our kids will take a different route via Public School 261. But no pressure, Sophia and Ira. No pressure!
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The pressure stemmed from one question: Have you started thinking about what school your child will attend?
It didn't take long for us to realize they weren't talking about kindergarten. They were talking about what schools (not daycares!) we were considering for Sophia when she turned two and if not by two then definitely by three.
The pressure mounted and so we did a little research. It became evident very quickly that we, in no way, could afford for Sophia to go to school. Considering some of the top schools charge $20,000-30,000 a year the choice was made for us.
For the last year Sophia's been in a daycare three days a week. At three years old Sophia is definitely the oldest at the daycare as her peers are all in some kind of formal school. This past week, Laura and I went to the neighborhood public school to check out their preschool. It was fantastic and while we mourn that our daughter will be old enough for preschool come next September, we're glad we're zoned for a good school that has a reputation that has skyrocketed over the past two years.
As for the pressure, we still feel it. When we reveal to others that our daughter is in a daycare and will attend the neighborhood public school, our revelation is often met with pity and/or a sense that we are irresposible parents.
People come to NYC for so many different reasons but an overarching theme among the masses that congregate here is the desire to mix it up with the best of the best whether in business, fashion, art or (fill in the blank here). It's no wonder then that parents put an incredible amount of pressure on themselves and each other to get in those schools that are only a few degrees separated from the Ivy League.
Hey, I want my kids to have a shot at the Ivy League. It's just that our kids will take a different route via Public School 261. But no pressure, Sophia and Ira. No pressure!
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posted by jch at
9:34 AM
6 Comments:
I know exactly how you feel. My daughter is just this year in a 3-day mother's day out program, and she's 4. Next year we hope to put her in our local public school. I know all about that pressure.
No matter where your children attend school, they will thrive and achieve great success.
After all, success starts in the home - and Sophia and Ira have a great head-start with you and Laura as parents!
I absolutely agree with Jim and Sara! I am confident that Sophia and Ira will thrive in whatever school they attend because of their home background. I've been there when you've read, read, and read to those kiddoes. Sophia's been introduced to the arts early because her parents and her friends have given her numerous opportunities to experience the arts firsthand. Hopefully, Ira will be able to do some "artsy" stuff soon....as soon as he perfects the "butt-scooting" that he has going on at this time.
Even though we all recognize Sophia's and Ira's extreme intellectual abilities (and if you don't know....all my grandchildren are equally smart!) these kiddoes are going to be just fine because of their interactions with their parents.
So really...no pressure Sophia and Ira. Just keep demanding numerous book readings every night! You're both so precious to read to because you listen and look so attentively. Now, Sophia, sometimes you've got to let US read to YOU instead of YOU reading to US when the mood strikes you! So cute, but you get some of the story a little haywire!
Love,
Mom/Gram/Glo
Hello
I love your blog , it is so interesting , you are a lifetime away from me but share one special thing ,a child who has special needs. I thought that I would comment about your post LOVE WITH ANOTHER WOMAN LOL
You are so lucky to have someone who you can relax with and depend on , it is wonderful to hear . Also it is fabulous that you wrote about this caregiver on here , it shows how much you value her and that means alot .I am sure you let her know ,and everyone is happy together , GOD bless and enjoy every minute ,whatever it brings .
Greeneyes
In what kind of a world is there prep school for toddlers? These babies have their whole lives to get up and go to school 5 days a week from 8-3. Let babies be babies. Here in Dallas (or most parts of dallas) Pre schools/mothers day out programs that offer 2 or 3 day a week programs are by far most popular. So don't feel like you're the only on in the whole country whose kids aren't in some swanky school.
Don't succomb to any pressure!
Just do what you know in your heart is right and best for your child.
It's really that simple.
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