Preschool seems more "hardcore" than I remember

Preschool seems more "hardcore" than I remember

Preschool seems more "hardcore" than I remember. When I was a child, preschool was a time for playing, napping, and learning basic skills like colors, shapes, and numbers. It was a fun and carefree environment where the biggest worry was whether or not you got a turn on the swing set.

But now, as a parent sending my own child to preschool, I can't help but feel like things have changed. Preschool seems more intense, more structured, and more demanding than I remember. The curriculum is more rigorous, the expectations are higher, and the pressure to succeed seems to start earlier and earlier.

Gone are the days of finger painting and playing dress-up. Now, preschoolers are expected to sit still, listen attentively, and complete worksheets. They are taught complex concepts like phonics, math, and science. They are assessed and evaluated on their progress, and parents are given detailed reports on their child's performance.

The emphasis on academics in preschool is undeniable. There is a push for early literacy and numeracy skills, with a focus on preparing children for kindergarten and beyond. The pressure to excel academically can be overwhelming for both children and parents, leading to stress and anxiety at a young age.