‘Far too much is expected from pre-schoolers these days’

“Our education system has shifted,” says Elizabeth. ‘Children who would be’ gifted ‘in the 1980s are’ on schedule ‘today. Children who were ‘well on their way’ years ago are now lagging behind … ‘

‘Not ready yet’

This is also evident from various studies, because where only 31 percent of the teachers in 1998 assumed that preschoolers already recognized a few letters, today 80 percent of teachers and masters think that preschoolers should be able to do this. ‘This allows you to label a child as’ someone with a disadvantage even before it has started learning’, writes Elizabeth. ‘And that while they just aren’t always ready to learn to read at the age of five.’

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Tutoring

If children cannot read yet, they often receive tutoring and extra exercises to take home. But what they should actually get, according to Elizabeth, is more time with toys. ‘Because children only start learning when they are cognitively and emotionally ready. So relax and give your child space. And when he’s ready, help him. Give him books he loves. Read it aloud and policy it. And do you continue to worry? Then you can always ask others for advice – but don’t put a stamp on it right away. ‘

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