Page 16 - Masala Lite Issue 160 April 2024

16 SPILL THE CHAI

Community members spill the chai on
how they found the right fit for their kids’
nurseries and preschools.

BY NINA PHICHITSINGH
MANHAR SACHASINGH
Business Owner
ife is full of choices, and these multiply exponentially when you
add children to the mix. The very second your child is born (in
fact, even before they are born), you are making a plethora of One of the most important factors for me
decisions: where and how do I want my baby born, what type of health in deciding on a preschool was location,
insurance should I opt for, should I hire a nanny, and one of the biggest since I have two children to pickup and
decisions: what nursery or pre-school should I send them to (and when)? drop off. The pickup and drop off time

As parents, we want to make the best and most informed decisions when are different for each school year. A
it comes to our children’s education. We book school tours. We ask our mother’s life is hectic! My decision had
parent-friends and relatives to share their experiences. We have countless to be practical and doable with Bangkok
late-night discussions with our spouse, and even then, when the day comes, traffic in mind.

we can’t help asking ourselves, will they like their school? Will they learn I was also very happy with the big trees
well and be treated lovingly and fairly by their teachers and peers? I asked and overall preservation of nature in my
three well-informed parents in the community to share their experience and initial tour of the school. The space had
learnings with Masala. a cosy and homely feeling. It’s important
that kids who have never been to school
start off somewhere they feel safe, and not
overwhelmed in their new surroundings.

SNEHA SETHI DOOWA The school also provided exposure to
Full-Time Mother children from different backgrounds,
which was a plus since the earlier they
can learn these principles of acceptance,
openness, diversity, and identity; the
When my older son, Vivaan, was better. Moreover, cleanliness is key. I liked that shoes had to be taken off outside
around 1.8 years old, I decided to look class and that spoon and fork utensils were taken and washed every day.
for kindergartens that were closest to
home as I was pregnant with my second
child. Convenience was really the key for
me at that time. I chose to send Vivaan
to Kensington Kindergarten at the age HARSHPREET KAUR
of 2.5 years, after I had already delivered Freelance Social Media Content &
my second baby. Personally, sending him Strategist
at that age was good for me because he
started learning and adapting to ‘school
life’ even though it was just for half a My son, husband, and I loved the phase
day. While he was in school, I had quality time to spend with my younger son and when we looking into kindergartens
time to rest, so when Vivaan came back from school, I had quality time to spend and attending open-house events. We
with him. There is no correct age to send your kids to kindergarten, but I would not only enjoyed them, but we learned
say if you are like me (having had two kids in the span of two years, and your older so much through them. Ultimately, we
child is highly-stimulated and curious) then sending them to school earlier could chose a school that’s near home, one
be more helpful than harmful. The school even helped me potty train him, making that we got to know through word of
him more independent. He learned how to eat by himself much faster and fostered mouth. They allowed us a trial day, and
communication and social skills much faster. This really helped when my boys had we were convinced!
to play together, and Vivaan slowly understood the concept of sharing.
My Thai is not good so I wanted my son’s
When it was time for Viraaj, my younger son, to enter kindergarten (he entered at 2 to be better. Thus, the schools that did
years and 10 months), I switched to a Thai school. At that time, convenience was not not offer Thai from the start were off our
a major factor, but financial affordability, Thai language, and Thai mannerisms and list. We did not want a school that only
discipline were. Kensington was excellent in bringing out the academic areas for Vivaan. prioritised academics during the first few years. We wanted one that focused on life
But like any international school, the emphasis on Thai language was not enough. skills like eating, wearing clothes, and waiting in a queue. Having big play areas with
Montessori-aligned, eco-friendly toys, was also an important consideration for us.
The new school’s curriculum places a lot of emphasis on teaching the children who
they are, where they come from, integration of nature and technology, and observing There are three to four teachers in a class, all armed with a degree and plenty of
and appreciating nature. In addition, they also practice mindfulness (meditation experience. All of them do all the tasks, no particular one is assigned to just one
and concentration skills) every morning as part of their routine. Other factors that teacher based on their role or nationality. I love that. Lastly, my son’s hours allow me
the school provides such as respecting one’s elders (and in fact, respect in general), to finish my work and to-dos effectively, so I can spend evenings focused solely on
talking softly, and being disciplined are qualities that I wanted my kids to have. My him and have quality time. Picking a school is quite personal. I recommend getting
kids’ Thai has improved drastically along with being more independent (e.g. putting exposure to various opinions, schools, budgets, and methodologies before picking
on their clothes and shoes by themselves and making their own bed). one. Ask as many questions as you want, as it is your child!
MASAL A LITE ISSUE 160 - APRIL 2024