Q: My daughter is 2.5 years old. From past few months I am in dilemma of my child's school. I am staying outside India with my family for the last few years. Here in Sudan, I do not feel comfortable to send her in local school and international ones are extremely costly. I just want to know how long can home education be continued. What is the ideal age for a child to be sent to school? Can my child's growth can be affected by sending or by not sending at this age?

A:If you do not have a satisfactory school, playing with the child at home would be quite ok for another two years. Quite often children long for the company of other children. Those interactions are as important as what they learn formally. At the age of 2.5 years, your child is ready to play with blocks (arranging them, building with them), dolls, and with objects in the home, like cups and spoons, water, clay, etc. She would also be responsive to music. Pick the music that is right for her age, or just play good music in the background. If school is not possible, an informal play group of children in the neighbourhood could be organised, with some advance planning. There is no specific age at which a child should be sent to school, although the age of 4-5 years should be appropriate. The child would need a variety of activities to keep her occupied and learning concepts from the objects around, informally. If possible, each of the parents should have a special time allotted to play with her and talk to her. If you are hiring help, make sure that your values are understood and shared.