Expulsion rate highest for preschoolers, study shows

Fort Worth Star Telegram ^ | May 17, 2005

[ContraryMary]

I have to say that, in my opinion, when the system requires its subjects to be regimented by age 5, or else!, then there's something wrong with the system.

I can't think of any schools today -- other than military preps -- that I would consider even remotely regimented.

[xsmommy]

i totally agree. i have seen people interacting with their kids out in public and am astounded at the latitude given small children. no wonder they grow up to think they are the center of the universe and NO ONE but NO ONE can tell them what to do. i think it is important that kids learn that they are a member of society, which may be a preschool class at that age, and what constitutes appropriate behavior in that setting. Having ones own way all of the time doesn't fit in with the group dynamic.

[Americanexpat]

"Okay, I'll say it. Children belong at home with thier mothers!"

Ditto.

[writmeister]

Agree 100%.

[Bookwoman]

Workers don't know how to deal with kids that aren't robotic.

Bingo! My kids were taught to think for themselves, not just accept anything people tell them. Preschoolers don't always have the best reasoning skills, however! Many are too energetic for schools that want to sit them down and do age-inappropriate things. If people are interested in teaching their kids the alphabet and other things, they can teach them at home in bite-sized pieces. I think "academic" preschools end up turning kids off to school before they even get there!

There are other ways to socialize preschoolers that are structured around movement - swimming lessons and other (YMCA or other) classes that are more fitness oriented. There were some really fun things for kids when my kids were young and didn't expect kids to sit still.

[jackd]

The best preschool for your child is HOME.

[Drammach]

everybody's granny already knows, the little brats crave limits and structure -- knowing that when they do "A", "B" will follow every single time; they need a schedule, and an example, and swift and certain justice.

Very well said..
I have nothing to add..

[Tax-chick]

If people are interested in teaching their kids the alphabet and other things, they can teach them at home in bite-sized pieces.

My 3-year-old son makes letters and numbers with (among other things) a six-foot stuffed snake!

[tuffydoodle]

"How about adding a program to teach idiot parents how to raise a kid. These problems with kids are for NO other reason then bad parenting."

Can't get any plainer than that and you are EXACTLY right.

[Redleg Duke]

"Maybe being institutionalized all day isn't the best thing for every 4-year-old boy. No, it can't be that!"

You are absolutely correct. After all, the kid must be placed in child care in order for the mother to be free to "self-actualize"! A minor obstacle, like a child, shouldn't interfere with any parent's desires!

[AD from SpringBay]

Taking many years off to raise my own children in the home was the best sacrifice we ever made.

I completely agree with that. Chidren are only "pre-school" for a few years and these years are so critical when it comes to who they will eventually become. Constant stability, structure, discipline, instruction, and love can all be given at home and the ultimate cost is far less when a parent takes time to be with the children full time during these years.

[AD from SpringBay]

I wonder how many children would be diagnosed as ADD if there were no drugs to sell to the parents?

[SouthWall]

Amem.

[Publius6961]

Unbelieveable.
These Neurotic moms will forever deny that their little brat is her problem, and an entire class does need to sacrifice normalcy and quiet education to make her little darling seem normal.

I would yank my kids out of a class where these behavioral problems are tolerated.

Sure, as people grow up they should be exposed to the abnormal and the insane... just not in pre-school!

[EmilyGeiger]

When I was directing a mother's morning preschool there was one little boy who was a terror. After many consultations with the parents, we suggested she visit the pediatrician I sent my children to. (He was on Fox news a month ago as one who advocates spanking when necessary. He is a father of 5, wonderful man) Well this mom went to him saying she believed her son was ADD, she had gotten this response from 2 other pediatricians. He asked her to first follow a schedule and if there were no improvements in his behavior then they would try something else. This schedule included 10 hours sleep at night, 1 -2 hour nap, scheduled meals and snacks, outside play, and limited t.v.(1 hour only a day). Also he gave her incentive charts to show how to use positive discipline. Within a month this child was behaving so much better and this pediatrician proved children are being labeled ADD too often. Sleep deprivation is the biggest problem and a lack of structure.

[Tempestuous]

""This report tells us that in many states, we've failed our teachers.""

Yeah, it’s called liberal mentality when raising children. Trying to reason with young children is futile.

A good old fashioned spanking when they are bad, biting them back when they bite, washing their mouth out with soap when they curse and denying them things earns the kid some discipline. However, with that said, disciplining your child should never be out of anger.

How do people expect their children to behave when they don’t discipline them or teach them right from wrong?

[EmilyGeiger]

My middle child stayed home with me, never went to preschool. She went to kindergarten and is far above the other students who went to pre-school in reading and in math. It depends on the home environment. If you expect the t.v. to babysit then yes maybe they need some structure, but I don't think they have to have preschool in order to make it in school.

[Politicalmom]

My daughter didn't go to pre-school, and she entered kindergarten reading at a third grade level or above. She is NOT disadvantaged.

[EmilyGeiger]

Good point!

[EmilyGeiger]

See my above post. :) In fact, most public schools are having parents erroneously believe a child has to have preschool in order to survive. Why? Because the gov't. wants to have grounds to open more pre-K classes. I know I am sounding paranoid but I truly believe this is another area where they will try to branch out more and more over the next 10 years and working families will let it happen because it is free care for their kiddos. Once it becomes more prevalent it will be a way for the gov't schools to make it mandatory. Just like they did with kindergarten. Kindergarten used to be choice now it is a mandatory grade.