It is hard to believe that participation in preschool may reduce the risk of addiction according to a new study. It has long been clear that our early years are ever so important, we are like blank slates just waiting for impressions and influences to steer us in the right direction. Unfortunately, many young children are exposed to things that have the potential to give the wrong idea about drugs and alcohol. The study of more than 1,500 children concluded those who had gone to preschool were 28 percent less likely to develop substance abuse problems.
The study followed the children from age 3-4 to age 28. The children in the study lived in low-income neighborhoods in Chicago and most were African American. Those who attended preschool were less likely to develop alcohol and drug problems or to end up in jail or prison, the researchers found. Preschool attendance makes it 24 percent more likely that they will attend a four-year college, and their incomes were higher, the researchers wrote in Science. The families of the children enrolled in preschool were actively involved in the program.
Preschool had the biggest positive effect for boys and for children with the least educated parents. Children need to be constantly surrounded by good influences, people and activities that will lead them in the right direction on the road of life. Idle time for children can be like a poison, giving children the opportunity to get into trouble. If you have young children you should consider preschool, it will do more good than harm. It is well worth a try!
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