[mpham725]

I've been looking around at daycares to sent my little girl to and I've found one that I really like. They only problem is, it's very costly. I've heard great things about it (my mom's boss sends his little boy there and they say that he learned things really quickly because they challenge the kids there and they help build the child's confidence). I went there myself and took a tour and I saw how the kids interacted in the classrooms (I came after class time so I didn't really get to see them in a learning environment). I'm hoping to come back and observe class time.

So to all you parents out there, would you invest money in your little one's education, if you know they'd get a great education, build confidence, and challenge your kids? What if it's more than you wanted to spend on their education, but you have the money for it if you budgeted correctly. I know this is something I need to ask myself, but I want to see what other parents would do.

Thanks!!

[Meenuh]

I don't have kids but if I did and I could afford to send them to a better school I think I would. I think that a child's younger years are especially important because that is a time they learn more about themselves and how to interact with people. It's like finding their identity. I'm not saying that if you stick all kids in a public school they will all turn out bad but i've seen a lot of kids these days and let's just say I wouldn't want my kids to turn out like them.

If I had the money to send my kids somewhere where there is a better learning/social environment I would definitely do so.

I am in no way trying to bash public schooling or the kids that go there. I mean, I went to public school and I turned out okay for the most part I think but during school I was pretty bad because of the kids I was around. I'm glad I gave myself a wake up call and learned to grow up. Not saying that all kids do though. I still have friends that are still trouble makers and have yet to grow up.

[mrscragg]

whatever it takes


20 characters

[demoipourvous]

If I can afford it and if I know that it will be worth the money, then yes, I'd be more than willing to scrimp, save, etc. to be able to give my child/children (yikes!) a good education.

[Temoin la Nuit]

I wouldn't invest anything. I do quite believe in public education system.

I grew up in the worst ranked school in the region that was always in the paper for crime and other stuff.. but I turned out OK. So I think there's a lot of value in going to a school where you can be around rougher elements. Teaches you street smarts. I met too many people who grew up in really soft environments that don't seem to have any common sense.

I think there's benefits to either path.

[ayahuasca]

I'd certainly pay whatever it took to put my kids through the best school possible. Coming out into the world with extra confidence and social skills is definitely worth the extra expense

[emma007]

I plan to homeschool my children. After all, they are my children and I do not want other people looking after them. I do not want the government to choose what is best for any children I am blessed with. I do not believe that in order to "make it" in life (although, I disagree on most peoples view points of making it in life) that you have to send children away to some high ranked, pricy school.

[HERMIT]

I would invest into my child as much as my parents invested in me. This includes everything from daycare expenses, private school tuition, college tuition, bail, and lawyers fees.

[Pogichinoy]

whatever it takes


20 characters

Ditto. I plan to send my kids through to private schools, only on the reason that I was sent to them. And I think I turned out ok.

[Lie]

I'd try my best to get them into the best schools I can afford. By best I'm not necessarily talking about reputation, but rather, the schools that seem to have the best learning environment.

[silver-typhoon]

Let your child experience both worlds... suggested that they "toughen up" in a public system. Watch them carefully for bullying signs if you must, but save your money to put them through a better education later in life. Nobody looks at your early year educations.

[Prot]

I believe in the public school system and would much rather help my child (if I have one) in parts not covered in class and challenge them at home rather than waste money on it. I work at a summer camp (hours of 9-5), and I must say, though we have a teaching/review component (3 hours ish) to help kids catch up on work or learn new things, majority of the teachers except for me, hardly challenge them and opt for more play time instead.

I'd rather spend money on activities such as soccer, piano, learning a language, or whatever my child truly enjoys rather than forcing them to do such activities.

[shotamerican]

hrmm i work in early education overseas.
i was thinking i would just do it myself with my own child, but sometimes i wonder if the social atmosphere of a daycare would be beneficial as well. i know many stay-at-home parents usually fix that problem by setting up a lot of play dates with other children.

i also worry about my children not being bilingual.
i was thinking maybe i should just save the money for saturday japanese school when i get back to the states!

[jphase]

If I could afford it, why not? =] Education is probably the best investment you can make.

[kelvin6]

If I ever had children, I would do my best to give them the best chance in education and in life. For example, I was in a public school system, while my cousin who was two grades below me but in a private school system, was always on my tail and nearly caught up to me in terms of our education and what we were being taught (in high school). I would say that private school really prepared him for college and possibly gave him the best chance at it too (straight A student).

If there is one thing I do want to say is that there is so much more than just school on how you want your children to turn out. You have to be there as a parent to show them what is wrong and what is right, to discipline them, to be a role model for them to follow and to love them. Parents have to be parents and not rely on the school system to teach them these fundamental things in life...

[CharlotteDarcy]

as much as I can afford.

Education is priceless.