Moms Talk: When Should Kids Start Pre-School?

, (dads, you're welcome to chime in, too!), we asked you whether high school students should go on spring break trips. Here's what you had to say:

• "The reasonable mom inside me says: If the teen has been responsible and shown good decision-making in the past, a trip with friends the year before going off to college seems reasonable as long as there is open communication and ground rules. Let's face it though, even good kids make bad decisions when placed in a party environment. So the unreasonable mom inside me says: I'm hoping my kids will choose to avoid the Cancun/Padre Island/crazy binge drinking party spots, perhaps choosing to build houses or aid the poor ... It really breaks down to how well you know your child and what you think they can handle." – Alissa Malerman
• "... I am not opposed to allowing teens to go on spring break but only with a chaperon, someone they have to answer to in order to keep it real. ...   A senior spring break should be something teens fund themselves. By doing so, teens learn the value of working for a goal, budgeting their expenses and practicing good judgment, which should help them make better choices when they are on a supervised spring break." – Libby Turpin

This week, we'd like to hear your thoughts on when should kids start pre-school. What age is too early? What about children who have fall birthdays? And, how can parents balance the urge to begin kids' education with their obligation to pay for it?

Post a comment to let us know what you think!