https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 10 Apr 2026 22:12:37 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714655 Thu, 23 Mar 2017 03:30:07 +0000 Pumuckl 2714655@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@youboots: That's what I would do, just pick them up earlier or skip some days completely but keep the routine up with getting out of the house etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714650 Thu, 23 Mar 2017 00:53:55 +0000 gingerbebe 2714650@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: We keep the same wake time, nap time, bed time and all that regardless of where we are or what we're doing. However, my son just really likes having a predictable flow to his days. Even when he's not hungry, he tells me its dinner time and sits at the table (then proceeds to not eat and make a mess). On the weekends, he asks why we're not going to school. We can sorta wing it in terms of activities and stuff at home on the weekends (we have church on Sundays so its really Saturday that's open), but its a once a week deviation from his flow so its not a big deal. When things get changed up in his routine, we see him mentally trying to figure out whether this new thing is going to be incorporated into his life. He makes associations and rituals with everything and because he's naturally introverted, constantly changing situations stress him out and overstimulate him. Unfortunately, this means he acts out behaviorally by getting rebellious, mischievous, intentionally destroying things, and throwing tantrums. And if he's bored on top of it, it makes it a million times worse. </p> <p>We had a period last summer where he was home with us before starting preschool for about 2 months and it just wasn't a great fit for him because it was clear he was bored and he was just being annoying. But when we'd try to take him to different activities, he was really uncomfortable and scared. Also he was PISSED. OFF. when preschool started. DH works from home and I was at home with our newborn, so he was really upset he wasn't at home with us anymore.</p> <p>That's why when we went to my inlaws for Christmas, DH and I had to do a lot of research and make plans for DS so that he would be comfortable. We dragged his sleep tent with us so his sleep environment was the same and we picked this play gym and the children's museum as his go-to spots in the mornings. Often, his cousin would go too, so there was also a familiar buddy. Then lunch out with his grandparents somewhere, nap, and then usually free play with grandpa for about an hour before dinner. The first 2-3 days we were in town and on Christmas his behavior was a little more whiny/tantrummy/disobedient, but as soon as he got comfortable with the routine or the many new relatives he met, he was a total peach. </p> <p>If we kept my son at home, we'd have to impose a pretty rigid routine like that and then we'd have to transition him yet again to a completely new school environment. I'd rather just have him go through the stress of ONE transition, not two. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714643 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 22:07:01 +0000 FancyGem 2714643@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are planning on doing this. We may send him to a few camps and VBS, but we will enjoy his last summer before "real school". </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714642 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 21:58:33 +0000 PinkElephant 2714642@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: I am keeping my kids home, but in terms of a break in routine...for us, I know it will be a somewhat rough transition going back to school after a summer off because my kids hate to be rushed in the morning. They are not early risers and don't like having to get dressed right away and get out the door. It's bad enough during the school year; I know it will be tougher once they get out of the habit over the summer. I also think they'll be out of practice with goodbyes/bring left, so there may be renewed anxiety about drop off/Mom leaving. Nothing horrible, just a rough week or so as they settle back in, and not enough (for me) for it to be a deterrent to having a very laid back summer! Like you, we will keep meals and bedtimes the same, so no real schedule change. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714494 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 15:39:38 +0000 honeybear 2714494@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Absolutely! Having a 5/6 year-old sidekick is a blast! </p> <p>As for maintaining the child's routine, I agree that's important, but a routine can totally be done without school. In any event, I think it's good for children to learn to be flexible (and I think they are naturally really adaptable). School is one way to get a routine, but it's not the only one. </p> <p>The main advice I have is to pick a project you can do together that would be fun. Plant a garden, learn to do something you've always wanted to do (sewing, piano, painting, woodworking, bird-watching...whatever), or go camping/hiking, etc. And pick at least a couple great chapter books you want to read with your child. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714458 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 14:56:52 +0000 sarac 2714458@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My daughter would have preferred to be in daycare at that age - she loves being around a lot of people so much more than just me and the baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714432 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 14:39:28 +0000 happytobeehere 2714432@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>To clarify, we don't have the option of part time and the kids in his daycare will be going to a lot of different schools so, staying with his friends isn't a big deal. </p> <p>He learns a lot from school, which is one reason why we would consider keeping him in school. But school is SO expensive and it would be a nice break to have before starting K (and before/after care). We also have grandparents who are willing to come to town and spend time with him to give us a break/show him new things. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714406 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 14:18:27 +0000 Anagram 2714406@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For all the people who worry about getting "off schedule", what does that mean to you? Is it a behavior or sleep times or something else?</p> <p>Just asking because my kids wake up, go to bed, and nap at the same times whether they are home or in school, on holiday, or whatever. So we have never had any transition problems. I also keep my oldest home for Spring Break, Christmas vacay, Thanksgiving, etc.</p> <p>Do your kids have different behaviors when they are home, or is it that they then don't want to go back after the break? I haven't experienced either one, so I'm curious. But also, my oldest is a very adaptable personal generally speaking.</p> <p>eta: My second is not very adaptable so far, which is what's fueling my curiosity! She doesn't have any trouble between transitioning between me and our nanny though, when the nanny is on vacay or something. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714402 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 14:14:31 +0000 SugarplumsMom 2714402@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD does best on a routine. She usually has a difficult tume adjusting back to schedule after long breaks at home or on vacation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714396 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 14:03:36 +0000 erinbaderin 2714396@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I voted yes but actually I think I'd go with keeping them home two days a week. Then they still get the socialization and fun summer daycare activities but also time to spend extra time and do special activities with you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714382 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 13:52:49 +0000 PinkElephant 2714382@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>All the different perspectives are so interesting!</p> <p>I would have liked to keep DD1 in some kind of summer program, but around here, the programs are all "camps" you register for 5 days a week, 1 week at a time. I think that's a little intense for summer, particularly given that she regularly tells me she'd rather stay home and play than go to school a few mornings per week (she goes to school each morning for almost 3 hours).</p> <p>We'll be doing lots of splash pad, bouncy place, playground, backyard kiddie pool, etc. this summer (her last before Kindergarten), plus a few trips to visit relatives and weekly swimming lessons. I've left the option open to do a few specialty camps (gymnastics, etc.) at the end of the summer in case she gets bored. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714378 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 13:47:05 +0000 littlejoy 2714378@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would not. My kiddo does best when she's in a routine. While *I* would love to spend a summer with her, I know that she would do best without a big break. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714375 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 13:44:31 +0000 petitenoisette 2714375@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another teacher here and so far we've taken my daughter out. She goes to DC near my work/not near home so it's not an option to keep her in. She's only 2 so last summer was my first home with her after her being in daycare for the school year but we had a nice time.<br /> Part way through next year she will move to a preschool in our home town and they require you to keep the child in for 2 days a week during the summer. So we'll do that, I think it will be a nice mix but I wouldn't be ready to have her in preschool when she could be home with me at a younger age (which is not your question, so I think you are probably fine either way!). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714373 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 13:43:22 +0000 KayKay 2714373@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd say it depends on both the parent staying home and the child.</p> <p>If the child would benefit from/like to be able to sleep in, have slower/lazier days, and have more optional activities, then I'd consider it.</p> <p>If the parent would enjoy spending all day/every day with the child, planning and doing activities &amp; outings, and have friends (both adult and kid!) to do things with, then I'd consider it.</p> <p>But both things would have to be true for me to do it. Even if the kid is fine being home (in theory), if the adult doesn't enjoy it, no one will! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714339 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 13:00:08 +0000 Truth Bombs 2714339@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would need more information on why I had the summer off. If was a school teacher, or had gone back to school myself, then yes, I would keep the kids home with me. We would spend a ton of time at the pool, we would travel a fair amount to visit my parents because they live by the beach, and it just wouldn't make sense to pay for school. However, if I had the summer off because I was laid off or something, I would keep the in school and be looking to get back to work as soon as possible. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714337 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 12:56:57 +0000 Andrea 2714337@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I say go for it. I was surprised that my girls really liked staying home with me. They like to keep busy and I thought they would be bored, but they were not. It's a good slow down, bonding time for everyone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714329 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 12:48:08 +0000 snowjewelz 2714329@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With your circumstances, absolutely! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714326 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 12:44:29 +0000 cascademom 2714326@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travellingbee: Yeah, I could see mine being really bored at home. Being at home is for the weekends and when you're sick. Doing a phonics &amp; cooking class plus summer activities will make him happy. For my eldest, it works. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714324 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 12:40:33 +0000 travellingbee 2714324@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cascademom: I know. Mine is already talking about summer splash days. He'd feel left out if I didn't send him. That said, he has always been a kid who would rather be with friends than me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714313 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 12:29:03 +0000 cascademom 2714313@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't. We're doing phonics with DS #1 before Kindergarten. I want him to be ready for it. He also likes daycare in general especially in the summer with all of the fun activities there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714296 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 12:13:15 +0000 PurplePeony 2714296@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My DD does best with structure and routine, and I think the transition into kindergarten would be very difficult for her if she wasn't in school/daycare all summer. If I had that choice, I'd probably send her to daycare 4 days a week but do shorter days (9-2 or something like that). Point being, I think it's a lot to ask of a 5-year-old to go from structured days (get up at a certain time, morning routine to get out of the house, away from parents for several hours, back home and into nighttime routine) to being home with a parent and having less structure (because even if you're doing activities, things are always more relaxed at home) and then back into the school schedule. Some kids might be fine with it, but if you have a kid who does well with routine, it seems like a lot of disruption...I know it wouldn't be worth it for us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714294 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 12:11:38 +0000 travellingbee 2714294@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am a teacher too and have summers off but when I have kept my son home, he did not do well. He really thrives on routine and so we are opting to keep him in (part time) because he enjoys it and it helps him to have the continued routine. He would not do well going back to a structured routine in the fall if he didn't have one all summer. I hope as he gets older, it will get easier but for now, this is what works best for him. Also, when asked, he emphatically prefered to be with his friends all summer to staying home with me. A large group of them will be going with him to Pre-K next year so these are friends that will stay with him. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714279 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 11:53:27 +0000 tlynne 2714279@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm also a teacher. I love having the summer with my kids! I've pulled them all summer, each summer, except for a few days last year (for my youngest). They're only little once, and there's so much good bonding time to have! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714275 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 11:50:02 +0000 gingerbebe 2714275@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My son is very routine driven so I don't think that would work for us unless we had a very predictable routine at home. We took two weeks off for Christmas at my ILs so we had to create a structure there too (breakfast with grandpa, mornings at an indoor gym or children's museum, lunch out with family, nap, dinner with family, TV, bath, bed). It was really busy for us as the parents to shuttle from place to place (lots of restaurants). </p> <p>Sooo if it were my kid, I would probably do mornings at preschool, have lunch together, and have a structured summer activity like swim or cooking classes. I might do a 1-2 week vacation for a really cool experience, but understand it might be hard for him to be off his game. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714273 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 11:45:37 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2714273@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That sounds really fun. I would do this if DH was the parent that was staying home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714256 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 11:19:12 +0000 LulaBee 2714256@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My DD is starting K this summer and while she LOVES Pre-K, if she could stay home with DH or myself I would let her. We would have so many adventures! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714245 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 11:12:29 +0000 Charm54 2714245@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I keep my girls home in the summers and we have a blast. We are so busy between the beach, pool, park and playdates with their friends. It's also a nice to slow down for a bit and our warm weather season is so short here that we really soak up every moment. They have no issues adjusting back to daycare routines in the fall. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714243 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 11:11:50 +0000 youboots 2714243@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd consider part time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714234 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 11:01:44 +0000 looch 2714234@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am actually on the other side of this now, my son is in K now and is going to be home for the summer. In the past we've done a camp on the grounds of his school year programs, but this year, I feel he's ready to have a different experience. I would have done it last year, on the entry into K, because let's face it, no one from his preschool was going to his Kindergarten anyway, so it's not like he needed to maintain those friendships. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-give-your-child-the-summer-off-before-k#post-2714233 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 10:59:39 +0000 lawbee11 2714233@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I voted it depends on the child. My LO actually loves her school and I think she would get bored at home all summer. They do field trips, activities during the day, theme weeks at school, etc. And she would miss her friends. I'd consider pulling her out for maybe a week each month, but not the whole summer. </p>