In a recent comment on twitter, one mother asked: "Why do they give snacks to my child at preschool? My child doesn't need a snack. She is only there for 2.5 hours anyway. I can feed her at home."

Many parents wonder, at some point: What is preschool all about? Although we are now heading into summer, preschool screenings are currently being held at many schools for the following school year.

If your child is already attending preschool, it's a good idea to chat with the preschool teacher directly, of course. Share your thoughts, ask your questions and get filled in. If your child is not yet attending, though, here are some of the reasons you may wish to consider it:

• Preschool can help foster a positive attitude between child and teacher
• Preschool can help foster friendships between like peers
• Preschool can help foster friendships between peers of different backgrounds/cultures
• Preschool focuses on hands-on activities - arts, crafts, pencil holding, cutting, coloring, manipulating playdough and so on
• Preschool teaches social skills (through play, dress up, singing, sharing and snack time)
• Preschool gives mom and/or dad some time to work, run errands, clean house, reflect/relax (hopefully!)
• Preschool gets your child ready for Kindergarten and a more structured daily routine
• Preschool will reiterate (or in some cases - teach for the first time) numbers, letters, animal sounds, repetition, rhyme, etc

Some parents want their children to remain home until Kindergarten; to spend that time together. Other parents are thrilled to sign their kids up. Whatever your situation, weigh the pros and cons before making up your mind. In some cases, the child is anxious to get to school to meet new friends, learn new things and engage with others. My own son was desperate to begin school, all those years ago: "Please mom! Let me go!" I had spent hours with him playing, singing, dancing, creating books, going over the animal sounds, making up poems, coloring, using playdough, beading, digging, planting and utilizing flashcards. My son loved flashcards and would beg to have me run through match-up cards, math cards, animal cards, number cards and so on. He loved the game and enjoyed seeing how fast he could get through them, hoping to beat his previous score. I did my best to keep him learning and engaged, day after day, and fully intended to keep him home until Kindergarten rolled around.

As much fun as we had together, he wanted to meet other children. He wanted to socialize. For that reason, I placed him into a fantastic preschool with teachers as sweet as sugar. Years later I worked for a preschool where we ran a mommy-and-me class. The mothers (or fathers) would all attend school with their child. We also offered drop-off classes. The parent could choose the class of their liking.

There are so many options available now. Choose the one the best suits your lifestyle and your child's personality and needs!

ABOUT the Author:

Shara Lawrence-Weiss is the owner of Mommy Perks, Kids Perks and Personal Child Stories. She has a background in early childhood, nanny work, published freelance, marketing and special needs.