Extended stays - what are your experiences?
in Students & Teens ·
MAJAMAMA said:So, turns out my part of the neighborhood doesn't fall under Kašić, it's actually Ivan Meštrović's district.
I called Kašić about enrollment, and he can take him. The reasons are basically that we don't have to cross a major highway, the preschool he goes to now is close by, and I really don't want to mess with his social circle by switching teams—everyone from his current preschool is heading to Kašić anyway.
Local gossip supports the decision, but I know how things go. It could be great, or it could be a total disaster.
I need some advice, assuming this is the right place to ask.
How much can I push the idea of not enrolling him in after-school care during first grade? I want him to come home and handle his homework on his own. I have a few theories about this; I’d prefer he learns independence early. He’d be home alone for maybe two hours a week since classes are on split shifts.
Maybe split shifts work for me because he could make it to those morning practices he loves so much, and I could align my work schedule if I stay at my current job. On the other hand, looking ahead to spring and summer, having free afternoons once homework is done would be nice. I could pick him up around 2:30 after work, but then his father would have to pick him up at the very end of the day on the weeks I work the late shift...
Or should I just not stress about it and enroll him in after-school care for the first grade just to get him used to a routine, then slowly introduce more independent tasks? Or maybe let him walk home early from after-school care so he isn't stuck there until 5:00?
Is it even realistic for a first grader to walk home alone? I know people who do it. They stay home for more than two hours, and I haven't seen any downsides. In fact, kids seem more independent and serious about their responsibilities that way.
In my opinion, if you can coordinate your work shifts, maybe after-school care isn't even necessary. I think a first grader is capable of being alone for an hour or two, but probably not for a full workday. My girls used to be home alone from 12:30 to 2:30 every single day. It wasn't an issue for them. Now the question is how independent the kid is naturally. They wouldn't even touch their homework until I got home (it was always, "Mom, why do we have to do this? We need a break" 🎉)
My youngest is a spoiled brat—that's on me 🙂 so I'm not sure how she'll handle it.