Is your child reaching the age where you have started thinking whether you should send them into a play school or not? When it comes to your child, it is normal to have concerns and fears. The problem is, that as a working parent, you cannot leave them alone at home without having anyone to take care of them. Being part of a joint family can help in such situations, where relatives, uncle-aunt or grandparents can be with the child. And even as a stay-at-home parent, it can often get difficult to give your entire attention to your child. A child needs the right environment and behaviour as examples to grow into better adults. You will get it all, right here, at Daisy Montessori School, where we provide care to children like it’s their second home.
As Indian parents, we pour our hearts into our children’s future, often wondering about the very best start they can get. Education begins long before formal schooling, and that’s where the idea of a play school often comes in, however with all these spreading myths about play school, parents can surely get concerned.
We get it. Really, we do. So allow us to counter some of these myths and debunk them by disclosing the reality that stands behind.
Core idea of play school
A play school is a child’s initial designed structure where they have first-hand experience of the outside world. A place constructed for kids, typically aged between 1.5 and 6 years, engage in activities that push their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development through the most natural medium for them : playing. It’s not about formal academics in the traditional sense, but about building essential pre-academic skills, encouraging curiosity, and developing social readiness and formulating their overall growth in a nurturing environment.
Countering the most common myths about play school
Let’s tackle some of these preconceptions and myths about play school that are terrorizing the parents and put an end to it once and for all.
Some of the common thoughts that float around in your mind :
“My child is too young to learn anything significant in a play school; they just play.”
“It’s better for my child to stay home with family until they are older; they need parental care and family.”
“Play schools don’t focus on academics; my child won’t be prepared for ‘real’ school.”
“I can teach my child everything they need to know at home.”
“Play school is just glorified babysitting.”
Where Do These Fears Come From?
So what gives rise to such fears and misconceptions? Where exactly do these fears emerge from and why? — It’s all very natural for a parent to experience these, especially if it is with your first-born, and you are absolutely valid with your thoughts. But it is necessary for you, as parents, to learn the root cause of such myths and tackle them for your child’s sake.
These myths are often rooted in traditional expectations, past experiences or cultural philosophies. Going from one mouth to the other and eventually spreading around. While some mention genuine concern about safety, environment, quality of education the child will be receiving in the play school and such, other myths are simply irrational and rise from the lack of knowledge, awareness and pure ignorance.
Debunking the myths
The myths and the reality behind them :
Myth : Play school might make my child too independent too soon.
Reality : While it is true that the child will experience independence as they’ll be interacting and connecting with people on their own, however that doesn’t mean that will have any direct impact on their relationship with their parents. It is wrong to want to have your child completely depend on you while they might just be able to handle things independently.
Myth : Children get sick more often in play school.
Reality : There’s always the possibility of your child catching something when they are out of the house, you can never stop it completely from happening, what you can do is, minimize the risk of it happening. Children may fall sick initially due to exposure to new environments, but it also helps build their immunity over time.
Myth : Play schools are only for working parents.
Reality : Play school is for every child, regardless of whether they have working parents or stay-at-home parents. It caters to each and every one of their needs and requirements, with a wide variety of courses and activities formulated to encourage emotional, mental and physical growth in them.
Myth : Play school is just babysitting.
Reality : A widespread myth is that play schools don’t teach anything meaningful. However, play school is a whole lot more than “babysitting”. Good play schools follow a curriculum that builds early literacy, motor skills, emotional intelligence, and confidence, all through age-appropriate activities, motivating overall growth in a child.
Myth : Play School Won’t Prepare My Child for ‘Real’ School.
Reality : The myth about play school not being a ‘real’ school is absolutely false. A play school builds foundations not rote learning. Focus on pre-literacy skills and social and emotional development through engaging activities, not rigid worksheets is what characterises a good play school, like say, storytelling, rhyming, counting games and such. Developing curiosity which stems from the love of learning, and strong social-emotional skills are more crucial for future academic success than early rote memorisation.
Note to dear parents
Dear parents, it is undoubtedly a difficult decision for you to make. Choosing an early learning environment for your child is a significant decision, and it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions – excitement, hope, and perhaps a little anxiety. Having your child part from you for the first-ever time can be an anxious experience but this is necessary for both you and your child. It is true when people say that every child is unique, and what works perfectly for one might not work for another. You just need a place that sits well with your child’s personality and aligns your family’s values.
Enquire – the play school – is it joyful and inviting? Does it encourage curiosity and exploration?
Conclusion
At Daisy Montessori School, we truly understand the aspirations and concerns of Indian parents. We believe that providing an environment that actively articulates your child’s needs and emotions profoundly benefits their childhood. Our philosophy circles around fostering each child’s natural curiosity and comfort through a structured play with foundational skill development.
Contact us today to schedule a tour and let’s go on this beautiful journey together!
