When it was time to select a preschool for my eldest child, I didn’t embark on an exhaustive search. I didn’t delve into various educational philosophies, nor did I scramble to add his name to numerous waiting lists. I certainly didn’t explore schools that stretched our budget beyond its limit.
My decision-making process coincided with our move from the United States to Mexico for work. After asking around, I discovered a preschool conveniently located within walking distance of our new home. My partner and I paid a visit and promptly enrolled our son.
It didn’t faze us that the preschool primarily conducted its lessons in Spanish—a language our son was unfamiliar with. The curriculum was modest, focusing on learning just one new letter each month. Yet, the school had available spots, the fees were manageable, it was secure, and the teachers were friendly. With numerous other responsibilities weighing on us, we opted for this straightforward choice.
Before becoming a parent, I might have been apprehensive about this preschool option. I envisioned myself as a parent who would prioritize my children’s education above all else. I imagined diligently reading books on child development after long workdays, ensuring my child was ready for the elite preschools that had long waiting lists.
I thought I might be among the many parents who, despite earning a decent income, struggled to enjoy simple date nights due to the costs associated with fancy preschools—ones that often required volunteering during school hours, leaving little room for vacations.
However, my expectations shifted dramatically after I found myself with a baby who demanded constant attention and a toddler who needed multiple stories before nap time. At some point—probably around the sixteenth book—I realized I needed to be gentler with myself. Maybe it was acceptable to watch a movie instead of reading endless stories. Perhaps my children didn’t need perfectly organic meals or the “ideal” preschool. My own well-being mattered too.
When the time came, my partner and I chose the preschool that made life a bit easier for us, even at the potential expense of our son’s experience. Little did we know, this choice was beneficial for him as well.
Initially, he faced challenges. He came home upset because his classmates didn’t understand him, and he struggled to grasp what his teachers were saying. Transitioning to an English-speaking preschool would likely have been smoother, and a school aligned with his learning style would have been even better.
Yet, over time, he began to pick up Spanish. A few months in, he animatedly shared stories about a classmate, Juan Pedro, and soon he was bringing home invitations from friends like Sofia and Mateo.
Before long, he was receiving mostly gold stars on his weekly progress reports, with only a few smiley faces for minor mishaps, like mixing up the subjunctive tense in Spanish—a common slip I too made. By the end of the year, he was excited to arrive at school early and reluctant to leave. His love for his preschool led us to enroll him for another year.
“Guess what!” he exclaimed halfway through his second year. “My teacher gave me a special job!”
“That’s wonderful! What do you do?” I asked.
“There’s a new girl from Canada who only speaks English, so I sit with her and help her understand!”
I realized how much he had grown.
Eventually, I met the mother of his new classmate, only to discover she was from Nigeria, not Canada. Clearly, his geography lessons needed work. He hadn’t mastered reading or math by the end of preschool, contrary to my earlier expectations. Yet, I found no reason to complain.
I appreciated that the preschool, despite its imperfections, taught him resilience. It encouraged him to connect with classmates who initially felt too different. He learned to adapt, navigate challenges, and express himself. Ultimately, he discovered that with kindness and determination, he could thrive in any environment.
While I didn’t plan it this way, I realized these were the very skills I wanted him to have. The world he will eventually face won’t always be accommodating; it can be tough and demanding. Those who flourish are often those who venture beyond their comfort zones, embrace challenges, and grow from the experience.
In retrospect, my son’s seemingly imperfect preschool turned out to be just right for him—though I did find myself needing to get him a globe.
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Summary:
Choosing a convenient preschool for my son was initially a practical decision, but it turned out to offer invaluable lessons in resilience and adaptability. Despite language barriers and a modest curriculum, my son thrived in an environment that encouraged him to connect with others and embrace challenges. In hindsight, this imperfect preschool was the perfect fit, equipping him with essential life skills for the future.
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