I'm doing this post more as public information to my followers -- not for advice (unless you're an older mom who wants to encourage or share your story about your child(ren) when they were young -- see previous post)....Luke's birthday is July 21. He will turn the big "5" this summer (Sniff Sniff). Of course, when I was pregnant and obviously had a summer due date AND when we knew Luke was a boy (and announced it), several well-meaning elementary teachers had to tell me THEN that we should think about "holding him back" until he was 6 to start kindergarten. NOW, I know these teachers meant very well and were basing the statement on professional experience, BUT I, to this day, am BAFFLED at how I heard this before Luke was born -- well before we knew much about him or his personality.
Several years ago, when Luke was around 2 1/2, Marc & I did go on ahead and make the decision to most likely have him wait until he was 6 to start kindergarten. I spent a whopping ZERO amount of time on the internet, reading books, etc. researching the topic. We pretty much solely based this decision on a) MANY older parents telling us their experiences with summer birthday children and waiting OR not waiting, AND b) My personally watching Luke interact with other children who would eventually be in the same class as he would be. During all of my observations, I did tend to notice he tended to act a bit younger -- because duh, he was younger.
At that point, 2 wonderful older moms suggested to me (on different occasions) that if we at all thought we might hold him back until 6 to start kindergarten to hold him back in Sunday School at that time. That way, he'd be in Sunday School with the same kiddos he'd go to kindergarten with. Then, he wouldn't at all notice the difference. We took that advice, and we're grateful we did.
Kindergarten round-ups are going on right now or will very soon. You will not see us there. We are waiting until Luke is 6. Luke will be going to preschool 3 mornings/week next year, and he's excited about that! AND, the SELFISH part of me is excited that we're waiting because that means I get to have him home with Kate and me one more year. Kate also has a summer birthday -- though it's early summer, and she's a girl (obviously). So, we'll see with her. We definitely have made no decision on that one yet!
Several years ago, when Luke was around 2 1/2, Marc & I did go on ahead and make the decision to most likely have him wait until he was 6 to start kindergarten. I spent a whopping ZERO amount of time on the internet, reading books, etc. researching the topic. We pretty much solely based this decision on a) MANY older parents telling us their experiences with summer birthday children and waiting OR not waiting, AND b) My personally watching Luke interact with other children who would eventually be in the same class as he would be. During all of my observations, I did tend to notice he tended to act a bit younger -- because duh, he was younger.
At that point, 2 wonderful older moms suggested to me (on different occasions) that if we at all thought we might hold him back until 6 to start kindergarten to hold him back in Sunday School at that time. That way, he'd be in Sunday School with the same kiddos he'd go to kindergarten with. Then, he wouldn't at all notice the difference. We took that advice, and we're grateful we did.
Kindergarten round-ups are going on right now or will very soon. You will not see us there. We are waiting until Luke is 6. Luke will be going to preschool 3 mornings/week next year, and he's excited about that! AND, the SELFISH part of me is excited that we're waiting because that means I get to have him home with Kate and me one more year. Kate also has a summer birthday -- though it's early summer, and she's a girl (obviously). So, we'll see with her. We definitely have made no decision on that one yet!
3 comments:
when I was debated taking Anna out of Kindergarten to wait until 6 I talked to several people. No one regretted holding their summer baby back. several wished they had. I'm glad I pulled her and she will start K next fall at 6. 6 months at that age is a long, long time. Especially with all day kindergarten. Anna probably could have handled 1/2 day, but full day was just too much. trust yourself, you know him best.
Older mom with 3 boys and raising a foster 3 year old (happily with a late October birthday). Held the first two back, and the third -- who was CLEARLY ready -- had a late September birthday and missed the cutoff. My experience is that the "young" kids are most noticeable in 2-3 grade when the curriculum gets more challenging. Older kids tend to roll with the punches a little bit better. I also think there is a lot of learning that happens at home-- you are Luke's first teacher. and do so many enrichment activities with him. I enjoy your blog, and feel you and your husband have your priorities spot on. ENJOY THE TIME WITH YOUR CHILDREN!!
As a 1st grade teacher, I am confident you won't regret this decision. I have had several young kiddos, boys especially, that about 1/2 way through 1st grade... parents start realizing how much better off thy would have been if they had waited. I always figure... Why start your child off with a disadvantage? Any extra advantage you can give them in school is only going to benefit them in the long run. The added year with you is just a bonus for you both. :)
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