Raising kids is a competition, and if you disagree, you have already lost.

My child has yet to turn one, and I am already dreading the inevitable rat race he will be thrown into once he begins formal education.

I should be rigorously prepping my child for the 30 tests he will have to take on his first day of Kindergarten. He should already be well versed in three languages and proficient in at least two instruments.

And what about pre-school? I never went as a child, but am I short-changing my son if I decide to do the same with him?

A new parent shouldn’t have to think about whether not sending their child to the right nursery school will send him on a trajectory toward a life of menial labor and mediocrity. Early childhood should be about joy and wonder and all of those beautiful things which make people become parents in the first place.

I’m not naive, I know that I am raising my child amongst others that cost their families too much for their futures to be left to chance. And though I’d like to think I will just let my kid be a kid, I know how easy it is to get caught up in wanting the best for your child.

For now, I’m going to just let my son enjoy unbridled learning, and tomorrow I’ll teach him some basic algebra.