As a mother who toggles between being a stay-at-home parent and working outside the home, I often find myself feeling frustrated from both angles. My freelance work keeps me busy—part of the gig economy, which I chose but also fell into due to the unpredictable nature of writing and editing. During the first four years of motherhood, I was primarily at home, enjoying the sweetness of those early days. But let me tell you, it came with its own set of challenges, like a tight budget and a severe lack of adult interaction. I often caught myself bending over my baby, asking, “Do you understand what a dangling modifier is?” Yes, I had some interesting conversations!
However, scheduling was a breeze during those years. If it was kid-related, I handled it. My husband would head off to work, while I took the kids to playdates, doctor visits, and various classes. It was simple.
Fast forward to kindergarten for my older son, and I’m in a hectic work phase. It’s total chaos—primarily because the kindergarten schedule is absolutely ridiculous.
Seriously, a 2:30 PM end time? That’s convenient for no one. It’s when my younger child is napping, meaning I have to carry a sleepy, hefty toddler out the door—think of Holly Hunter rescuing John Candy in a fireman’s carry. It’s exhausting!
I understand that the needs of my sleeping child aren’t the school’s problem, but if the schedule were truly designed with stay-at-home parents in mind, it would wrap up by noon. Five-year-olds still need to rest after lunch, and that naturally breaks up the day.
But let’s talk about working parents. What lawyer or nurse can clock out at 1:30 PM just to pick up their child? If I want to pursue job opportunities, I have to tell potential employers that my availability is from around 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, which severely limits my options.
You might suggest the after-school program, but here’s the kicker: the school day ends at 2:30 PM, and pick-up from after-school care is at 5:30 PM. That’s a three-hour gap to fill, and after-school activities usually last just an hour. At our school, the kids often just hang out during the remaining time—an indoor holding pen.
This brings me to my final point: the schedule isn’t just absurd for parents; it’s detrimental to the kindergartners as well. Even with six hours in school, kids only get one recess period, and on bad weather days (which we see often in the Northeast), they’re stuck watching movies instead of playing. Research shows that children learn best through active play, and I worry my son is spending too much time sitting at a desk. Pediatric occupational therapist Michelle Thompson argues that pushing young children into academics too early can hinder their physical and social growth. She emphasizes the need for children to have plenty of sensory-rich experiences outdoors to develop strong bodies and minds.
Now, my husband and I are navigating a color-coded shared calendar to keep track of who’s working more, who’s picking up the kids, and the availability of our part-time babysitters. I am constantly pondering whether my son is getting enough rest and exercise, if an after-school class like “Cupcake Decorating” is worth our time and money, and whether I can carve out hours for outdoor play.
It’s a maddening juggling act, and honestly, none of us seems to be winning. A system where no one wins—well, that’s just nonsense.
If you’re interested in more insights on parenting and scheduling, you might want to check out this related blog post. And for those considering at-home insemination, a reputable site like Make a Mom offers excellent kits to help you with that journey. For more information on the success rates of these methods, WebMD provides a wealth of knowledge.
In summary, the current kindergarten schedule leaves much to be desired for both parents and children. It’s a chaotic situation that needs serious reevaluation.
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