A few decades ago, the concept of playschools in India was unheard of, and few children, if any, attended playschool. Still, everyone grew up into mature, sensible, well read and well spoken adults. Now however it seems as if every parent sends their pre-nursery child off to a playschool.

Most playschools in India are privately owned, and expensive. If you are wondering whether or not to send your child to a playschool, here's what you should consider before making a decision.

Time

Do you have a lot of time that you can devote to your child? If both you and your spouse are working and you don't have a lot of spare time, you may not be around to teach your child much - with the result that when your child starts school he may lag behind his classmates who have attended playschool. However, if one spouse is a stay-at-home parent and has the time to attend to the children and teach them, you could consider not sending your child to a playschool. Remember that very young children too have an incredible ability to learn. Their brains are remarkably sharp, and it makes sense to put them in an environment conducive to learning at this young age.

Academic routine

When deciding which playschool to send your child to, try and find something that isn't very academically inclined. Your child shouldn't be struggling, trying to learn something like math at such a young age. Instead, find a play school that focuses on letting a child have fun while learning. Ideally, find a playschool with a garden, and that has many outdoor activities.

Social opportunities

Play schools also provide an opportunity for children to socialize with other children. In addition, he will also gradually get used to the concept of a classroom in an informal manner, making his transition into school that much easier. So if you live in an isolated neighbourhood or in a place where there are not many other children your child's age, it makes sense to send your child to playschool. Your child will learn to interact with numerous children at a young age. Yes, the social benefits of sending your child to playschool are undeniable, but don't expect miracles. If your child is shy, sending him to playschool will not automatically transform him into a confident person. In addition, you may find that there are other ways to help your child socialize. If you have membership to your local club for example, you could consider enrolling your child in sports.