Afterschool or No???

Ugh I'm so torn.

DD is 4 going to be 5 in November. She is in K..this is her 2nd year at her school.

Last year her sitter picked her up after school. The same sitter she's been with since I returned to work when she was 4.5 months old. They spoil her IMMENSELEY.

This year I put her in after school since it's free and I feel she gets to play with other kids as well as do homework. After school is from 2:55-5:30. I get out of work at or around 6. Same with DH. The sitter picks her up from after school and then I pick her up a little later from the sitters.

DD has been hysterically crying EVERYDAY that she doesn't want to go to after school. She wants to go with the sitter. I'm torn..part of me feels like it's only been a few days (6 to be exact) she needs to adjust but the other part of me feels like she's 4...maybe too young.

FTR: The teacher says she cries for a few minutes then calms down. I left early to pick her up yesterday and she came down fine but they did say she cried a bit. She does however complain to DH & I everyday that she doesn't want to go. I asked her if someone said something to her, did something she says no.

And she does NOT take naps in the sitters house but she does watch TV and play etc.

WWYD?

Message edited 9/28/2012 4:04:45 PM.

Re: Afterschool or No???

The ones that go to after school never want to go & the ones that don't always want to go. There is no win with after school

If it were me, I'd send her. I'd want her to be socializing with her classmates as much as possible (does the babysitter watch other kids in the school?). I also would like to get them used to going to different activities (girl scouts, science club, language club, etc.).

But maybe you can compromise. Let her go this year but tell her next year, she's going to after school? For a 4 year old, that is a long day. I could see why she'd need to destress. Most K'ers in the beginning are exhausted after a regular school day .

Message edited 9/28/2012 7:22:36 PM.

Re: Afterschool or No???

Can you send her only a couple of days? I work at an after school type place and I have DS come with me 2 days a week and he does activities there. The other three days he takes the bus home.

Re: Afterschool or No???

My DC hates his after school program. If I had an affordable and reliable other option I would do it in a heartbeat

He is also in K. I think it is a lot for them.

Re: Afterschool or No???

Both my children hate afterschool program. It stinks to have no where else.

Re: Afterschool or No???

I started afterschool when my DDs were in K and 2nd grade. It was not easy for any of us. It's a long day (8 to 530), esp for the younger ones. I never used daycare as I was home for a 6 years, and then I used a sitter for a year and half.

The main reasons I chose the after school is bec it was free, in the same buidling, and like you said no TV or sitter that may not do everything like you want. They also had some homework help in the AS. I think I even picked them up early at least 1x a week in the beginning to ease the transition.

I was torn for the longest time though so I feel your pain. If you are going to leave her in there, I'd give it some more time. Also, speak to the counselors again and let them know that she isn't totally happy and see if they can give her more attention.

Both my DDs still complain about not being home after school hours!

Re: Afterschool or No???

I would let her go to the sitter. She is so young.,My ds ( just turned 4) would flip out with such a long day. Her sitters house is more relaxing for her, and familiar. Good luck!