Full-day kindergarten is too much, too soon

The neighborhood school where I live may be moving to all-day kindergarten, but I’m crossing my fingers that my daughter won’t be heading off to seven hours of school when she’s 5.

I am not ready for that, and neither is she.

I understand the reasons for full-day kindergarten and I think they are valid: more preparation for elementary school, more time for free play and socialization, and less time spent in daycare for children of working parents.

But honestly, I’m not worried about my daughter being at the head of the class on the first day of first grade. I don’t think she’ll be forever behind in reading or math if she attends half-day kindergarten.

What I am worried about is pushing my daughter into life way too soon. There are only so many years where kids get to be kids. There are only so many afternoons I get to spend at the park with my daughter pushing her on the swings. And there are only so many hours in each day that I get to raise my child the way I choose.

I know there is some evidence that children in full-day programs are better prepared for first grade and may even have an academic edge for a few years. But other studies show that the academic edge dissipates over the years, whereas I doubt the time and memories I’ve made with my daughter will fade away.

Many proponents of full-day kindergarten also argue that teachers need more hours so they don’t feel so rushed to cram everything into three hours. They need more bonding time with the children and the children need more relaxed, imaginative play. I totally agree. But I’d much rather her be bonding with me than her teacher and I think I’m more than qualified to host a tea party or play “grocery store” with my daughter.

I guess the bottom line is that I chose to stay at home with my children because I believe mothers can give their children the most valuable educational, personal and moral lessons. I’m not ready to hand her or that responsibility over to someone else when she’s only 5 years old.

What are the pros and cons of full-day kindergarten? What program do your children attend and how has it worked for your family?

Erin Stewart is a regular blogger for Deseret News. From stretch marks to the latest news for moms, Stewart discusses it all while her 3-year-old daughter crams Mr. Potato Head pieces in her little sister’s nose.