Education does not begin with formal schooling, so start educating your child the day he (or she) is born.
Education is a process
Someone recently asked me when she should send her child to school. There is no good answer to this question without knowing details about the family. One thing is not unique to any particular family, though; educating your child is a process that begins the day he is born.
Babies have much to learn in their first years of life. They begin to recognize familiar voices, sounds, and sights. Help your child by talking to him in a soothing tone as you progress through your day. Explain each thing you are doing and why you do it. Smile often and use happy conversation to expose your child to language. Hold him close to your heart as much as you can because all too soon he will want to run free. He needs to feel your love and kindness to help him develop that freedom. He may not know what you are saying or where you are carrying him, but he will learn to trust you and feel confident about being with you.
School Time
Deciding school or daycare placement for your child can be a difficult task. Each child develops differently and may be ready to expand his horizons at a pace other than his friends. Family circumstances influence decisions on daycare, preschool, or classroom settings. Some families decide to homeschool, which eliminates the decision altogether. Only you know the intimate details influencing placement of your child.
You are the Primary Teacher
Whatever educational placement you decide to pursue for your child, remember that family members are the most influential teachers a child ever has. Time spent in your home has more impact on your child than any other placement he will experience in his life. Make the most of it.
