Parents are in a quandary, trying to cope with and understand the needs of their children while guiding them through their early years. I realise family life is changing with the ever-evolving movement towards equality.
But with the introduction of extended schools the pendulum may swing too far to the detriment of family and home life.
Wherever possible, parents should balance earning a living and creating a stable family life for their children. As a mother of the 1970s I chose to stay at home. It was a role that I found challenging, especially when most of my peers were returning to work. I also found it extremely rewarding.
Our children went to playgroup two mornings a week, which I felt was enough for their young minds between the ages of three and five. I eventually ran the playgroup, attending many training sessions. When our sons went to school I became a part-time nursery nurse. Children as young as two were left in my care from 8am to 6pm, some five days a week. Eventually I found the job too disturbing and left.
It appals me that four-year-olds can be left with possibly four different carers throughout the extended school day, for up to 50 weeks a year. To adhere to one set of behavioural values at home, a different set with a morning carer, another during school, followed by more during after- school hours, and then return home would confuse any child. It can cause children to protest verbally and physically, or to become desensitised, both of which can lead to limiting emotional and mental states.
Ultimately parents are the best educators. I hope there is a groundswell of parents who do not agree with extended schools and do not follow this route.
Sending children to school from 8am to 6pm denies them the opportunity of just being themselves at home. Ignoring our children's needs will eventually create a soulless society.
