My daughter has been asking me lately if she can go to school. My 3 year old, of course. I’m not sure if she got the idea from watching TV or talking with my younger sisters, but the only thing that has been on her mind is going to school. I’ve never had her in any kind of program, excpet ballet, I agree that she probably needs some sort of “Mom’s Day Out” program once or twice a week to interact with fellow 3 year olds.
So I was doing some googling and realized, these programs, even church programs, are ridiculously expensive! I mean $190/month for 2 times a week, for 3 hours a day? You even have to bring your own lunch. Maybe I’m just late to this whole daycare/moms day out thing, but I couldn’t beleive it. I even called some daycares about their part-time programs for twice a week, and they told me about $70 a week! I couldn’t imagine what parents pay full-time for daycare!
I know there are parents out there who honestly do not have a choice but to put their children into daycare, whether it’s because their family is not in town, or we just got to work. I never appreciated my families time they want to put into watching my children until I realized what some parents who aren’t as lucky have to pay!
So what am I going to do? Playdates, and maybe add in a gymnastics class or two 
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Everything is expensive these days. I would try playdates for awhile. What about the library (Story time)? Gymnastics and Ballet = pretty pricey too!
Start your own lil Mom’s Day out with friends. (One mom can do it one week, Another mom the next.) More or less swapping babysitting services for a few hours each week.
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If you think that’s expensive, check into doggy daycare! The one near my house, Pet Paradise, charges $30/day, and that’s just for basic care. If you want extra play time for your pup, or an ice cream for your doggie after dinner, or time in the swimming pool for your pet, all those things cost extra. Who knew?
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Keep calling around- I found that finding a preschool program(instead of daycare) was cheaper. Well, as long as you weren’t looking at a Montessori program. Good luck!
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My three year old has a speech delay and goes to school in our county, for free, 5 days a week and even rides the bus! I fought it at first because what a leap of faith it is to not only send your 3 year old to school but on a school bus?!
He is thriving and loves everything about it! I would find classes for your kid if she’s interested. Supporting her interest in learning is never a bad thing. Good luck!
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It is so true about the cost of preschool, daycare, mommy’s day out. They are simply astronomical! Our local library has a great story time once a week that my Little B likes to go to. Perhaps some type of free community activity like that?
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Yes…kids always want to go to school, until they HAVE to. LOL I’ve always had mine in daycare, but I work outside the home, so no choice there. I think it’s good for them though…helps their social skills, builds friendships, and teaches them to deal with others. We are fortunate to have a program in NJ called Abbott….it’s a federally funded program open to any child ages 3 and 4. You don’t pay anything, and your child enjoys a “class” setting and learns the basics needed for school. I was going to suggest playgroups or outside activities as well…although many of those also cost. Good luck!
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