When to Cut Losses Re: 3 Year Old Preschool Program?

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I think it's OK to tell him you've decided one school is enough for age 3. As much as I wanted to do both a 2 day preschool and a one day Early Child Family Ed program with my kids, I decided once they started preschool that their preschool would be their only school. I just thought that 2 different sets of norms, routines, rules, teachers, etc. would be too hard. For example, one place you could be in socks, another you had to have on shoes. Since you've only had 3-4 times at the Friday place that have been so negative, and he loves his 2 day school, I'd quickly drop the Friday one.

Why torture him? Perhaps it is just all too much. Stick with what he likes.

I say let him out of the Friday program. He likes preschool, that is awesome. I say be thankful for that and embrace it and let the Friday stuff go!

I think that since he has a preschool program he does like I'd pull him from the Friday only program.

If it were me, I would take him out- Especially since you already have him in the pre-school program. He is getting interaction, socialization, and the developmental challenges he needs there (I would think) So why go through this Friday fight? To me it would be a sign of something that is not well with him- although I do believe you start what you finish- I also believe that in situations that may not be "healthy" -that little motto goes right out the window! If he is showing signs this strong that he is unhappy, then maybe give in on this one, and let him out. *the only thing that makes me hesitate is when you say he's only gone 3-4 times- With that being said maybe give it just another try and see if he loosens up? I don't know, just trust that mama heart and do what you feel is right. You know your child best and you'll know what you need to do. Just know that he'll only be 3 once, so why spend it forcing him to spend time in a place he hates? That's just how I would be with my kids. . . God bless, hope your decision will being some peace!

So this is two different buildings, teachers, etc.? My guess is he just hasn't figured out what to anticipate. Kids need routine to feel safe and secure and his Friday is much different than the rest of the week. We sort of went through this with our dd last year (also 3 at the time). It was the same school, but a different classroom and teacher on Friday. I can't say that she didn't like going, but she would have preferred to stay home and she was very clingy when I dropped her off (I also work in the building so we had that going for us too). It did get better, but we had to keep her abreast of what would happen next, you know? Tough decision. Trust your instincts on this one. If you don't really need for him to go the third day, follow his lead. If you need him to be there for some reason, he'll probably adjust eventually. It will just take a bit longer since it's only one day a week.

my daughter had a similar experience, while she was proud to be in preschool at 3 1/2, after about 2 1/2 months i pulled her out. i started to notice little things over time. clinginess and "hysteria" in the morning. bottom line is, he is 3 and doesnt HAVE to be there right now. My daughter was very social and bright, but was flat out overwhelmed. she's very routine oriented, but just wasnt socially ready. she's in preschool again this year at 4 1/2 and does AMAZING! a year makes a lot of difference. dont feel like he has to "tough it out" at this age. :) good luck,

Some kids have a greater need for routine and sameness than others. (Like Mine!) Once a week was not be enough for him to become comfortable with any particular situation. We tried all kinds of mommy and me classes and play groups, but the only thing that worked for him was the twice a week preschool (after a rough adjustment period) I wish I had been able to spot the problem sooner, we could have saved a lot of heartaches, headaches, and money!

Since he's still going to preschool and enjoying it, let him quit the Friday program. There is clearly something there he doesn't like.

I would let him be done with it but let him know this is one thing he can be done with, school isn't something he has a choice in. The reason is because you don't want him to want to stop anything he doesn't like... sunday school or regular school when he gets older. I would let him be done because at that age he is being seperated to much and feeling it by friday. Also you don't know if someone there is mean to him or a teacher yells to much or even someone abusive. If they allow it you could sit in there and watch to see if there is something going on, a little bullying or someone who gets into trouble a lot (doesn't have to be him to make him sensitive to it) or even if it is just boring or not productive. I wouldn't force it at this age though.

Since he is in preschool.. And likes it.. Cut your losses.. I have done it before... Also check into see if their is a partial refund.. Trust your gut and save yourself and his self the headache and struggle. Especially since he is 3. This happened to me when my dd was 3 and in gymnastics.

Skip it. If he's doing fine in preschool, he's only 3 and doesn't need to have anything else. No reason to fight about it. It may be too much by the time Friday comes and he's ready to be home.

He is only 3 years old...two different programs may be too much for him. Also, only going 1 day a week doesn't give him much of an opportunity to get to know the teachers. It does seem strange to me that he is doing well at one place but not the other...if it were my child I would have to wonder what is going on at the Friday program that is causing him to react like that. Maybe he doesn't like the program? Doesn't like one of the other chilren? Doesn't like the teacher?

I would take him out of that school immediately. Since he demonstrates that he is coping well in the other school, my flags would be up that something is wrong at the Fri school. Listen to him. You are the only person who can help him. He depends on you alone to keep him safe. If you won't listen to his distress, then who will? He's only 3, he has no other advocate. Well, that's what I would do anyway.

If he loves preschool and hates the other program, that says something. I'd take him out. Maybe add a third day to his preschool if you want him to have an extra day of socialization.

I am in somewhat of a similar situation, but without the meltdowns. I just enrolled my DD in an enrichment program in the addition to her preschool. She has only been once, but she told me she doesn't want to go again.
I see a lot of value in the particular program we picked and intend to give it at least until the end of the year (it is only once a week for a few hours) before we decide to quit or to go on. Sometimes kids just need a while to get used to a new setting before they like it.
We have not continued other programs in the past, because she did not enjoy it and barely participated... no need to waste the money - but we always finished out at least 8-10 weeks.

At three most kids can make the distinction between one program and the other, and I don't think that disliking one thing will make him dislike the other.
You also don't want to teach him that you will give in to his every whim and let him quit whenever things are difficult.

I would make a deal with him, say we will go until thanksgiving and then we will talk about how you like it, and tell him until then you expect him to try his very best.
Good luck!

I am a Sunday school teacher and see a lot of this at the beginning of the year. 1 parent gave the child ice cream at the end of the session if there was no crying. then when the child did not cry they looked him in the eye and said "see now we know you can do it!" That worked for him. I always tell my kids at Sunday school that the more fun you have the faster you mom and dad will come back, so if you cry the whole time its going to be a long time till they come back. That works sometimes for kids. I would keep bringing him. I think he will learn to like it. Good luck!