Preschool registration season hits and suddenly you're wondering: Is my kid ready? Are THEY ready? Am I ready?!

Here's the honest truth about preschool readiness from a mom who's been through it twice.

Age Doesn't Equal Readiness

My oldest turned 3 in October. Technically eligible for preschool.

But emotionally? Not ready.

We waited a year. Best decision ever.

My youngest? Ready at 2.5 and thriving.

Every kid is different. The birthday cutoff is arbitrary.

What Actually Matters

Social/Emotional Readiness (THE Most Important)

Can they separate from you without total meltdown?

Not happily. Not easily. But can they be redirected and calmed by another adult?

If drop-off means 30+ minutes of screaming every day, they might not be ready.

Can they function in a group?

They don't need to be social butterflies. But can they exist near other kids without constant aggression?

Sharing is hard. Hitting is not okay. There's a difference.

Can they communicate needs?

If they're hurt, hungry, or need the bathroom, can they tell an adult (even just by pointing)?

They don't need full sentences. They need some way to communicate.

Physical Readiness

Potty training: Most preschools require it. Some are flexible. Ask.

My take: They should be mostly trained, but accidents happen. If they're having 5 accidents a day, maybe wait.

Basic self-help skills:

  • Can they wash hands (with help)?
  • Can they attempt to put on shoes?
  • Can they feed themselves?

    • They don't need to be independent. But they should be TRYING.

    What Doesn't Matter

  • Knowing ABCs
  • Counting to 20
  • Writing their name
  • Perfect behavior

    • Preschool TEACHES these things. That's literally the point.

    Red Flags to Consider

    Still taking 2 naps: Most preschools run during one nap time. If your kid needs 2 naps, they might be too young.

    Can't sit for a story: Even for 2-3 minutes. Preschool has circle time.

    Aggressive with no improvement: Hitting, biting, pushing is normal toddler behavior. But are they learning to stop? Or is it escalating?

    You're feeling pressured: If YOU'RE not ready, wait. Seriously.

    Questions to Ask Yourself

    1. Why am I considering preschool? - Socialization? Great reason. - Education? They'll learn at home too. - Childcare? Totally valid. - Everyone else is doing it? Not a good reason.

    2. What's the backup plan if it doesn't work? - Can you pull them out mid-year? - Will you feel like you failed? (You won't have)

    3. How many days per week? - 2 days is VERY different from 5 days - Start small if you're unsure

    4. What's your gut saying? - Mom guilt is real, but mom intuition is too - Trust yourself

    Our Story: Waiting Was Right

    My oldest at 3:

  • Cried if I left the room
  • Still taking 2 naps
  • Barely talking
  • NOT READY

    • At 4:

  • Excited to go to school
  • Talking more
  • Down to one nap
  • Thrived

    • That year made ALL the difference.

    Our Story: Going Early Was Right

    My youngest at 2.5:

  • Climbing the walls at home
  • One nap
  • Loved other kids
  • READY

    • She started part-time (2 days/week) and loved it from day one.

    Same parents, different kids, different timelines.

    If You Decide to Wait

    Your kid will not fall behind.

    I promise.

    One year of preschool vs. two years? By kindergarten, you can't tell the difference.

    Things to do at home:

  • Playdates (even short ones)
  • Library story time
  • Park trips
  • Art projects (messy is okay!)
  • Reading books together
  • Following simple routines

    • You're not failing them by waiting.

    If You Decide to Go For It

    Start slow if possible:

  • 2 days a week before 5 days
  • Shorter days before full days
  • Stay for the first week if allowed

    • Prepare them:

  • Visit the school beforehand
  • Read books about school
  • Talk about what to expect
  • Practice goodbye routines

    • Expect an adjustment period:

  • First 2-4 weeks can be ROUGH
  • Behavior at home might get worse (they're holding it together at school)
  • This is normal

    • Communicate with teachers:

  • Tell them about your kid's quirks
  • Ask how drop-off goes after you leave
  • Share what helps at home

The Truth About Preschool

It's not required. It's not make-or-break.

Some kids thrive. Some kids struggle.

Some families love it. Some families decide it's not worth it.

All of these outcomes are okay.

Trust Your Gut

You know your kid better than anyone.

Better than the school registration deadline. Better than the other moms saying their kids are going. Better than the Pinterest posts about preschool prep.

If something feels off, wait.

If you're excited and your kid seems ready, go for it.

There's no wrong answer here.

The Bottom Line

Preschool readiness isn't about academics.

It's about: Can they handle being away from you? Can they communicate? Can they exist in a group?

If yes—great! If not yet—also great! Wait a year.

They're only little once. There's no rush.

When did your kids start preschool? What helped you decide? 🎒