If you’re a parent of a preschooler, you are very aware of this ever-so important time of the year; the time when parents stand in line early in the morning to sign their child up for what they believe is the “best preschool in town.” Once you’ve determined which preschool is right for your child, now it’s time to decide if he or she will attend in the morning or the afternoon. Most parents shy away from the afternoon option, but if I didn’t have a child who naps until nearly 4:00 in the afternoon, my daughter would most likely have been put in afternoon preschool for next year.
So what’s so great about the afternoon, you might say? Plenty of things! Most parents of preschoolers are noticing their curious kiddos seem to need fewer bits of sleep. If your four year old is no longer napping, you’re not alone! I Wipe your tears and sign up for afternoon preschool, where their afternoon is filled with art, learning activities and much more.
Afternoon preschool gives you the flexibility of still enjoying play dates with friends (which for us is always mid-morning). Schedule your mid-morning playdate, grab a bite to eat, and send your preschooler off for the afternoon! This also gives you a true break in the afternoon. Once your preschooler stops napping, your breaks become few and far between. Why not always guarantee a break for yourself on the afternoons that your child is in school?
You also have a chance to enjoy waking up in the morning slowly instead of rushing through breakfast, to get your school clothes on, to get to school by 9:00. Enjoy playing with your child in the morning! By the time school rolls around at noon, they’ll be ready for some peer interaction, and you’ll be ready for a break!
There is also a high likelihood that you’ll actually get the day that you want your child to attend preschool! Many parents have their fingers crossed hoping that they get their paper work in early enough to reserve their daytime spot, but afternoon preschool is usually much easier to get into. You’ll be amazed at how much quicker the day seems to pass when your preschooler is in afternoon preschool, instead of watching the minutes sluggishly pass by.
What are your thoughts on afternoon preschool?