Buckets of tears are shed during the first two weeks of preschool and kindergarten by children leaving home for the first time.

Contrary to our national custom, many experts argue that early education is harmful to children.

And, according to the evidence, the experts are right.

A Harvard study shows that children who are on the young side of the cut-off date when they enter school have a 30% greater chance of being diagnosed with ADHD. 

Anyone who knows the basics of child development should not be surprised by this finding; we’ve known this for a long time. 

“Early ripe, early rot,” as the saying goes.

The federal government even funded research on this topic. The research was conducted by a well-known educator, Raymond Moore, who concluded that we should not put our kids into school until they were at least ten-years-old!

Yet for almost 50 years our government has ignored the very research that it funded, and it has ignored the warnings of child development experts, too. Instead, we’ve been led to believe that our children need a “head-start” to get ahead. 

Now 50 years later, institutions like Harvard are saying the same thing that schools are not the best place for young children.

Will it be another 50 years before the government and the corporate world acknowledge the glaring truth that young children are happier and healthier when they are allowed to run free, instead of being confined to a desk.

Fortunately, we parents can take the matter of raising and educating our children into our own hands.

We must take matters into our own hands!

We have to consider the damage that’s incurred by forcing academic learning on children before they’re developmentally ready.

By “damage,” I am referring to the over-prescribing of ADHD drugs, the increase in mental and physical health problems, and the learning struggles that stem from too early of a start.

In addition to these concerns, one of the most striking changes I’ve witnessed in my lifetime is the breakdown of the family unit, which is the basis for a sound society.

Here’s what John Taylor Gatto had to say on the subject:

It appears to me as a schoolteacher that schools are already a major cause of weak families and weak com­munities. They separate parents and children from vital interaction with each other and from true curiosity about each other’s lives.

Schools stifle family originality by appropriating the critical time needed for any sound idea of family to develop — then they blame the family for its failure to be a family.

He didn’t need studies or experts to tell him this. He worked within the heart of the system, and he witnessed it himself.

In John’s absence, allow me to do the same.

 Our young children need US; they don’t need school.

Don’t miss our free download, Ten Books Every Well-Educated Child Should Read.

For parents of children under age seven who would like to prepare their child for social and academic success, please begin with Elizabeth’s original online course, Raise Your Child to Excel in Learning and Thrive in Life.

When you join the Smart Homeschooler Academy online course for parents, Liz will share her 6-step framework, so you can raise children of higher intelligence, critical thinking, and of good character.

As a homeschooler, you will never have to worry about failing your children, because working with Liz, you will feel confident, calm, and motivated; as she guides you to train your children’s minds and nurture their characters.

 Would you like to raise a reader? Learn more about Liz's unique course, How to Raise a Child Who Loves to Read.

Elizabeth (Liz) Hanson is a homeschooling thought-leader and the founder of Smart Homeschooler.

As an Educator, Homeschool Emerita, Writer, and Love and Leadership Certified Parenting Coach, Elizabeth has 22+ years of experience working in education.

She has developed a comprehensive understanding of how to raise and educate a child, and she devotes her time to helping parents to get it right.