As a mother who toggles between staying at home and working outside the home, I find myself frustrated by the conflicting demands of both worlds. My freelance work in the gig economy is sporadic, making it both a choice and a necessity due to the unpredictable nature of the writing and editing field. During the first four years of parenthood, I enjoyed the sweetness of being home with my children, but it also came with its challenges, particularly the lack of financial resources and adult interaction. I often joked with my infant, asking if he knew what a dangling modifier was while I changed diapers and prepared snacks.
However, as my eldest son enters kindergarten, I find myself in a whirlwind of chaos, primarily due to the inadequacies of the kindergarten schedule. An end time of 2:30 PM? That’s hardly practical for anyone. This is precisely when my younger child is napping, which means I have to drag a sleepy toddler—who feels like a sack of potatoes—out the door. It reminds me of a scene from a movie where someone is trying to rescue a giant.
While I understand that the school system is not responsible for my family’s nap schedule, it would be more sensible if the day ended at noon. Five-year-olds still require some downtime after lunch, making it a natural break.
Moreover, this schedule is not advantageous for working parents either. What kind of lawyer, nurse, or janitor can simply leave their job at 1:30 PM to pick up a child? If I want to accept a freelance gig, I have to inform potential clients that I’m only available from about 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, which greatly narrows my opportunities.
Then there’s the after-school program, which is supposed to provide a solution. However, the day ends at 2:30 PM, and the pick-up time for after-school care is at 5:30 PM, creating a three-hour gap that must be filled. Unfortunately, at our school, after-school classes typically last only an hour, leaving the kids to simply hang out for the remainder of the time. It essentially turns the school into a waiting area.
Additionally, the schedule is not ideal for the children either. With only one recess period throughout the day, kids spend most of their time at their desks. If the weather is unfavorable, they may watch movies instead of engaging in physical activity. Research shows that children benefit significantly from active play, and I worry that my son is spending too much time sitting. Pediatric occupational therapist Dr. Amy Thompson emphasizes the need for young children to engage in diverse physical activities to develop their bodies and minds effectively, particularly outdoors where they can explore different terrains.
As a result, my husband and I now juggle color-coded calendars to manage our schedules, trying to coordinate who will pick up our son and when our part-time babysitters are available. I constantly evaluate whether my son is getting enough rest and exercise, if an after-school class like “Cupcake Decorating” is worth the time and money, and if I can manage to carve out moments for outdoor play with him.
It’s a stressful balancing act, and honestly, it feels like none of us are truly succeeding. A system that leaves everyone feeling overwhelmed is far from ideal.
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Summary
The kindergarten schedule poses significant challenges for both parents and children due to impractical pick-up times and limited opportunities for active play. As parents navigate the complexities of work and family life, they often feel overwhelmed and unsupported by the current system.
Keyphrase: Kindergarten schedule frustrations
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