Why do we send our children to school?

Today I spoke with a mother on the topic of preschool and her search for a more academic setting.  I thought of my own children attending preschool and what I search for in those first steps towards education.  I want my children to laugh and sing and make friends.  I want them to learn to cut and use glue and find their names.  Most importantly, I want them to love school and love learning.  Preschool is where the foundations of this love affair are embedded.