Candid Chat with Sanober Garda on Parenting
Sanober Garda from Mahim West shares her experience with First Crayon (www.firstcrayon.com) of finding her nephew’s first school.
How did you decide at what age to send your child to their first school?
We sent my nephew to school when he turned two. This is the age that most of his friends had started to go to preschool so we thought that it made sense to send him as well.
What were your information sources during the preschool search process? Which source was the most valuable?
During the preschool search process, we spoke to other parents who sent their children to the same preschool. We also spoke to parents whose children were alumni of the preschool. We found speaking to the alumni parents the most valuable.
What were your 3 most important factors while choosing a preschool? Why?
Distance, quality of education and infrastructure are the three factors that are most important to me. If there is too long of a commute, my nephew will get tired. We want him to be fresh and enjoy the preschool experience. We want to make sure that my nephew is prepared for the rigor of first grade and so the preschool educational quality has to be of a good standard. Infrastructure was an important consideration as we wanted a preschool that has good outdoor facilities for my nephew to play and enjoy.
What is the one thing that you feel you did really well during your preschool search, and other mothers should learn from you?
I would advise other mothers to speak with alumni parents of the preschool that they are considering. Since the children have already passed out, their parents will be able to describe the preschool’s effect on their child. Also, since the child was no longer studying there, the parents were more candid in their conversations.
What changes do you see in your child after going to preschool?
My nephew has become much more outgoing and social. His style of communication has become more interactive. He also showed an increase in confidence.
What is your most important tip for parents to prepare their child and themselves for the first day of preschool?
It is important for parents to let their child experience preschool without being possessive of them. While your child enjoys spending time with you at home, it is important for them to learn how to get along with all types of people. Preschool prepares them for this.
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