Once again, September is nearly upon us, and I have decided I'm not ready to send my daughter to school. Before everyone gets up in arms, you should know that my daughter is 3 years old.
Every year since she popped out of my belly, I have been asked the same questions: "When is she going to school?" and "Why isn't she in school yet?" Truthfully, I'm just so tired of having to explain that I actually like having my daughter around.
First off, once again, my daughter is 3. Three! I'm not trying to keep my 15-year-old from socializing, but I'm trying to enjoy my baby as long as she still is one.
Second, I work from home. I have the luxury of creating the schedule and the life I want around my daughter. Some days my attention goes to her 100%. Other days it's 50/50 so I get work done and we play. Some days, I manage to get 75% of work done while my daughter peacefully colors in her circus tent. It’s all about creating balance.
Either way, the reasons I choose not to send my daughter to school at 3 years old should not need to be explained to anyone. Just as I don’t judge moms who send their children to school when they’re practically still in the womb, other moms have no right to tell me what they think is best for my daughter.
But listen — I understand.
I, of course, understand the multiple reasons many parents send their children to school at such a young age, the most important being that they need to work. Trust me, I get it and I’m not judging you. Why should I? You know what’s best for your child, just as I know what’s best for mine.
Yes, I realize sending my daughter to school would be good for her socializing skills. I am well aware. But you know what? She loves being around babies, big kids, and adults, so I'm not concerned. What am I concerned about? Regret.
I worry about not fully enjoying these precious years while my daughter still wants to be around me 100% of the time.
That is something I could regret — not that I didn't consider sending my daughter to school at 3. My daughter will only be this little once. I will only get to enjoy this period for so long. I love waking up to morning cuddles and not rushing out the door.
I love getting the day started at our pace. I love the challenges the days can bring because no two days are ever the same. I love making our days up as we go along, with my daughter’s little hand squished into mine. These are the moments that I want to soak in as long as I can.
My daughter is my whole world.
She is my best friend and my sidekick. She is what gives me energy to be a mom who also works from home. I love having her around. I love having her near me. And I love that she is being exposed to seeing her mom balance work with being a mom. She is seeing first-hand that moms can still run their own business. She wouldn't get to see all of this if she were in school.
My daughter will eventually go to school, of course. But right now, I love having her home with me. That's not something I should have to justify to anyone.
