The Formative Years

I was reminded again lately how the 'preschool' years of a child's life are the most formative years. I strongly believe that, but with the birth of our 5th child and with two 'older' kids busy in school and activities I realized I was doing what I never wanted to do. I was having my preschoolers accompany to many activities, but I had quit enriching their lives in the ways I want to. So this blog is to encourage me to do fun things with my preschoolers (and other kids) and to share these ideas with others.

At What Cost
Some of these ideas will cost money -- not a lot of money, but some. I am very tight with money and have always had to justify these costs. Here are some of the justifications that I feel good about:

Co-op Preschool: I am in the middle of my 7th year of co-op preschool. This is like Joy School except we come up with our own curriculum and ideas. So how it works is we get together with other Moms in the neighborhood or ward that have children that will be in the same grade and take turns teaching a week of preschool each (2 days). We rotate through the school year. It has worked out really well. Around here preschool costs $150-$220 a month depending on the school and the number of days and hours. This adds up to a significant amount of money that I'm not spending every year. So I feel good about spending some money for fun crafts and activities for preschool days and other enriching activities.

We haven't had cable or high-speed internet until last September. Then we got them in a package deal. We are about to get rid of cable again (but keep the internet). When we've wanted to have cable in the past we've always decided that we'd rather spend that money on other fun family things rather than trying to get our money's worth out of cable. It just feels better.

Around here there are lots of neat community classes. We have participated in some of them. Occasionally they have really been worth it. Most of the time, though, I come away feeling like we could have invited a friend over and done as well or better on our own. And if I'm not driving them there and back to a class that provides time that I could be enriching all of my children's lives and not just the one that the class is for. On average these classes cost $10 an hour. You can buy supplies for a pretty neat craft or activity or treat for $10!

So there you have it. Maybe money isn't an issue, and maybe you've tightened as far as you can and there still isn't money. We hope that there are still fun things in here that work for you and your kids. I have come to really view the time I spend with little ones as treasured time that is worth every minute and every penny. This is my job and my calling -- it feels good to magnify it.