Eyes wide shut
Focus Sandy. I reluctantly open my eyes and gaze at the clock. And then I allow my heavy lids to fall again.
For with eyes closed, the world is much simpler. More like a still photograph of my life. I scan the picture, corner to corner, as if I’m searching for a familiar face in a crowd or just someone who can offer me reassurance.
Someone. Anyone. I would listen to a supernatural voice if it could spell out the right decision to make.
In recent weeks, behind this homepage, this post has gone unpublished with only an uploaded image of my 4-year old daughter. I tip toe here while she’s in preschool, or late in the night while she rests peacefully in the dark; certainly when no one is looking.
My eyes glance at her face, her surroundings, desperately trying to find clues in order to form a concrete decision.
Most parents never need to worry about when their child will begin Kindergarten. As long as their 5th birthday falls before a certain date, they go. And if it falls after the date, they wait another year.
Our 4-year old daughter will be turning 5 on the exact cut off date.
So for us, it is not so cut and dry.
The recent trend is to hold a child back one year before starting Kindergarten, especially if they have a boy, or a summer birthday. Many parents are able to come to an absolute decision before their child is even three, and I admire that. They are able to guide their lives with that goal ahead, like an upcoming off ramp to a new home.
Up until our recent parent-teacher conference, I thought we were heading down the same path as everyone else in my daughter’s class. One that lead to Kindergarten this Fall.
But now it appears, our GPS has suddenly lost signal. “Susan’s” ability to guide us is as garbled as her pronunciation of our local Boston streets.
Sometime before the holidays her teachers began reporting that Babisodes was not coping well in social situations and class transitions. She is misconstruing the body language of her peers and becomes frustrated and angry. She also has a heavy desire to always be called upon first for answers, or to be first in line. Again, becoming angry and frustrated. I’m aware of all of these personality traits and have been working with her throughout the year.
Along with half-day preschool four times a week, I schedule at least two play dates a week. Particularly with classmates in order to build stronger connections, and also so I can asses how different my child is in comparison to others.
Do I see huge differences between her social and emotional abilities and her friends? Not really.
Part of me believes that her stubbornness and overly emotional tendencies may be just part of her DNA.
Moreover, I am doubtful if another year of preschool will help her to resolve these issues. Although I can fully appreciate the need to be sensitive to a child’s emotional and social development, I fear that for my child it will only make things worse. She rarely connects with younger children and becomes bored around them. Not to mention she is already physically as tall as some first graders.
All of her preschool teachers, and every adult who knows Babisodes, agrees that she is well advanced intellectually and verbally. At the age of four, she is reading, writing, calculating math, and has an incredibly mature vocabulary.
However, emotionally and socially, she is slow. But my guess is that her frustrated, unrelenting temper may never fully recede. She is an emotional, stubborn being. These traits are deeply rooted on both sides of her family tree.
While it would be much easier to just write off her teacher’s report as just an opinion, a meager voice among the cheers of a roaring audience, I cannot.
They are the professionals.
I am not.
Besides, the rational side of me (that Babisodes failed to inherit) sees the pros and cons of both sides.
So in the meantime, I am covering my bases and enrolling her in both Pre-K and Kindergarten for the next school year. Perhaps by the Fall, this detour will lead me closer to the right path.
Until then, I’ll come back and revisit this post often. So I can see my daughter just as she is.
Not an overemotional, bullheaded, rebellious, outspoken, almost 5-year old. No fists thrust upon hips with furrowed brows.
This photo will be my reminder. The walls are a little bare and perhaps a bit stale. But when I close my eyes, time stands still.
She is always sitting there.
My little girl…
is she bored with the intellectual level of the other kids and acting out on an emotional level? if that’s the case, keeping her in pre-K probably won’t help. esp. if she doesn’t get on well w/younger children (I know the feeling, Babisodes!!).
Jameil´s last blog ..Goals: January Update, February’s New Beginnings
February 5th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
don’t know what to say,except higs work.
mike golch´s last blog ..Friday Flashback
February 5th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Noah’s social problems took the form more of clinginess, shyness, and needing comfort. But we had no idea of holding him back (despite a late bday). I am so glad we didn’t. He is now in 1st grade (at a Montessori school) and doing fantastically both socially and educationally.
I understand what you said about her teachers being the “professionals.” But ultimately, no one knows your child and what she needs better than you. You have been with her daily, you are fair about her strengths and weaknesses, and I honestly think that sometimes “mother’s intuition” is the best course to take. I agree with the first commenter that if she is intellectually ready for K, then holding her back will lead to boredom and more acting out. It sounds like she needs direction and challenges – not to be bored or feel like she is being babied.
Best of luck to you.
February 5th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Awww. She sounds a lot like my oldest. I think she sounds ready to get started on her school career. Based on how you describe her today, my daughter is very similar, especially in the lack of social skills. But I was the same way. Normally I would think it’s better to get that extra year, not so much for now but down the road. The extra year of growth adds an extra level of maturity in the challenges of school work. Look up a book called the Outliers. It’s interesting. In the babe’s case though, she sounds ready to go.
PS – How the heck do you get her to keep the room so tidy?
Hockeymandad´s last blog ..Doppelganger Week?
February 5th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
The cut off in MI is Dec 1 and I have 3 September babies. So I had to choose between starting them when they are 4 almost 5 or 5 almost 6. My oldest is 6, and we waited with her, even though she was academically ready the year before. I’m so glad we did. There were just a few things that were hard for her that I never expected, so I’m glad that she had the extra year of maturity to deal with it.
I’ve gone to everyone one of her holiday parties in her class, I can sit in the class and tell you every student who started when they were 4, and turned 5, there’s just a big difference.
My mom had to make the same decisions with my brother and I who are both september birthdays. Neither of us ever struggled in school and are both engineers now:) She’s glad she waited.
February 5th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Monkey Girl is 3 weeks from the Kindergarten cut-off and my son is a “young” (now) first grader. He started Kindergarten at the age of 5 with other kids his age, mostly due to the fact he was ready academically and he would have been bored with another year of pre-school. It’s so hard to let go. As the professionals told me, my son would catch up emotionally and socially. I’m glad I listened to them, because that first year of school he grew so much. It was an amazing transformation – so much so that I still wonder if this is the same boy I reluctantly sent to school.
Joyce-Anne´s last blog ..That Damn Tree
February 5th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Our first born, a daughter, turned five less than a week before Kindergarten started… she was ready and did beautifully. Our second, a son, turned five in June and also started K in the fall of that year. We later questioned our decision for him, but really, in hindsight, I don’t think it would have made a difference to hold him out another year.
You’ll make the right decision when the time comes.
Tara R.´s last blog ..Origami ~ folding cranes
February 5th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT take the advice of an educrat over your own knowledge of your kids.
EVER.
It sounds to me that Babisodes is bored. It sounds to you like Babisodes is bored. Maybe Babisodes is BORED.
Another year in preschool will not make her any less bored. It will make her more bored, more antsy, and more unmanageable. And moving up may challenge her in a year when YOU will be preoccupied by, ahem, smaller things. She will not be the most immature kid in the class. Promise.
The Mother´s last blog ..Anything a Woman Can Do, A Man Can Do Better
February 5th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
I have two girls currently in first & second grades. My youngest is very advanced academically but she had really rough seperation anxiety issues while in PreK. She cried DAILY while walking into school from Sept.-thru March. I didn’t know what to do & opted to let her continue onto kindergarten the following fall. Not one single meltdown, no fear, she was ready. My point is that your daughter may very well naturally grow out of some of the behaviors that concern you. I also agree that if she is bored that would make for a very long year- for all of you.
Ruby´s last blog ..Maya’s Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage (All my kids resemble Kirsten Dunst)
February 5th, 2010 at 6:56 pm
totally love her bedroom!!!
February 5th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
Thank you so much everyone for your insight, advice, and for sharing your experiences. It is MUCH appreciated!
As of right now, my daughter does not have any issues with separation or shyness. In fact, she often says what’s on her mind….without much of a filter.
February 5th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
I understand this decision as my son is a summer birthday. It was a hard one to make, but ultimately I feel we made the right one and he is flourishing this year. I hope the same is true next year for Babisodes.
Emily´s last blog ..PSF and Unnecessary Organs
February 5th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
oh sweetie, this is such a hard decision. I struggled with this with 2 of my kids. One I ended up sending to school and she did well academically but floundered a little socially. But she caught up eventually – she is still a little socially immature even at 16 but has found a group of kids that are on a similar level.
And then there was Boo, a TOTALLY different kettle of fish obviously, but we held him back and although he is better socially for it academically he is bored. Lucky for him his teachers recognise that and push him a little further to compensate. But I still have my days when I wonder if it was the right decision especially now in fifth grade he is taller than the principal.
February 5th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
Trust your instincts. Trust YOUR instincts.
lceel´s last blog ..Friday Haiku – Oh Youth – And Youth in B&W
February 5th, 2010 at 9:23 pm
Placing her in kindergarten might help her social skills to catch up to her intellectual skills. It could be she’s “too smart” and bored without extra stimulation to her brain.
You will make the right decision. I know you will.
Lisa @ Boondock Ramblings´s last blog ..Today on Views. . .
February 5th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
My middle son could start kindergarten at 4 because he will turn 5 before the cut-off date, but only barely. I will hold him back. Because he’s a boy. I taught middle school and saw too many “young 6th grade boys” struggle ferociously with the transition. The girls, even if they struggled, never struggled like the young boys.
Preschool, at least here in KY, is so different from kindergarten. Preschool is mostly play, light on academics. Kindergarten is marginal play, heavy on academics. I mean, my 5-year-old’s kindergarten class studied Egypt and mummified a frog. KINDERGARTEN?????
I think you are making a wise choice to enroll her in both, but she has 6 months until kindergarten, and you know kids can change so much in half a year.
When the time comes, you will know what to do.
Carrie´s last blog ..The year-long "discussion"
February 5th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
I just went to a parent education seminar about kindergarten readiness. You might find the Gesell developmental screenings interesting:
http://www.gesellinstitute.org/index.html
She looks like a tiny doll in her sweet playhouse of a bedroom.
Lisa Rae @ smacksy´s last blog ..The Democrat
February 5th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
I’m so sorry . . . I hope you get a clarified answer soon!
Rachel @ Grasping for Objectivity´s last blog ..Coloring Oneself: Perfect for Narcissistic Toddlers (And their Mommies).
February 5th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
She sounds just like my Lil T. Thank goodness I’m only having to face starting him in preschool in the fall. I don’t even want to think what Kindergarten will be like. Don’t worry too much about it…you’ll know when the time comes.
February 5th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Wow, that’s a tough one. I’d say though that I think I agree with a couple of the folks above me that said she sounded bored. She seems like a total smarty pants and that’s what smart kids do sometimes when they’re not being challenged. My birthday is right on the line too and I went “early”. Definitely think my parents made the right choice. Definitely trust what you know about your kid, you know her the best.
And wow, does she keep her room that clean or do you? And do you make house calls ; )
skiplovey´s last blog ..The nesting, it drives me batty.
February 5th, 2010 at 11:43 pm
Sandy – hugs to you. I went through a similar stress as K barely made the cut off to register for kindergarten. I too struggled with enrolling her or holding her back. I’m so glad that we went ahead and enrolled her. Just thought I’d mention it.
And I have agree with Tasina – go with your mother’s instinct!
BTW – can I live in Babisodes room? And please tell me you spent hours cleaning it just to take the perfect picture!
February 6th, 2010 at 12:21 am
I understand your agony in making this decision. I went through the same when we were deciding whether to put our daughter into Oregon Virtual Academy. Just remember, teachers don’t know everything and you are a highly educated mother. Trust your gut feeling.
Melissa´s last blog ..Look Ma! No Hands!
February 6th, 2010 at 1:45 am
We are facing the same decision but our circumstances are very different. We are being pressured to push Jack into kindergarten and we don’t think he’s ready.
Tough decisionsm…
February 6th, 2010 at 2:47 am
Hi there! I totally would not hold her back. She sounds so smart, and would probably be bored if she was with kids younger than her. She will get there “socially.” I don’t like it when teachers are so quick to label kids. I think most of the time they try to make it to where it’s easier for them too.
Alicia´s last blog ..SHOP TILL I DROP
February 6th, 2010 at 3:55 am
U R such a hit,
so positive and full of wit and humor,
loved the post,
very delightful
and fun,
best,
jingle´s last blog ..Super Bowl Haiku
February 6th, 2010 at 8:04 am
What does Dadisodes think? I agree with the commenter who said trust your gut. You know Babisodes way better than they do.
Dot´s last blog ..Comment on Weather Update by Momisodes
February 6th, 2010 at 8:18 am
Perhaps Babisodes is totally bored with preschool. If she is already reading and writing, I can tell you, she will be totally bored with kindergarten as well.
One other thing to keep in mind, (not that they would do this) but it would benefit the preschool if Babisodes stayed another year.
Around here, they have people that work for the county that will assess your child on all levels and let you know if they think they are ready for kindergarten or not. Someone with a different point of view might help you make your decision.
Beth (A Mom’s Life)´s last blog ..You always get what you pay for!
February 6th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
She sounds just like my baby girl (now 17). What about exploring other growth options to help her develop before the next year begins? If she is on track age-wise but intellectually excelling? I think holding her back might exacerbate the aggression issues. We had the same “problem” with our daughter. So I enrolled her in a gymnastics program in the spring before her kindergarten year. (Not a play program – one where she could advance further if that’s what she wanted to do – it felt more “grown up” to her that way) The physical and mental challenge of following instruction, balancing on a beam, trying new and “daring” things, and socializing with other girls her age was just the thing to settle her down. It helped with her issues with “taking turns,” following directions, and boredom. Just a thought!
Jane´s last blog ..Help Me Keep Oil In The Lamp
February 6th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Poor Babisodes…maybe she’s not stimulated enough?
Muthering Heights´s last blog ..Behind The Scenes
February 6th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
that’s tough. so sorry. i know the teachers are the pros, but you are her mother and you know her best. i’m sure that whatever you decide will be the best decision for her. like some of the other comments above, it sounds as if she’s not stimulated/challenged enough (esp. if she’s intellectually advanced than most kids her age)? keep us posted on your decision.
prasti´s last blog ..wordless wednesday::new family portrait
February 6th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
Aidan was still 4 when he started kindergarten. His birthday is August 30th and we had our choice about whether to start him or hold him back. He was a little bit behind emotionally when he started, but since he has always played better with older children we though he would be fine. He was and he is. He is in first grade now and will always be the youngest, but he has no trouble keeping up with the older kids on any level.
Give it a few months. Fall is still a long way off. You’ll know what’s right for Babisodes when the time comes. *hugs*
Karin aka perpstu´s last blog ..Relax! Just Do It!
February 6th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
I’m studying for my degree in elementary ed and as such have been in a BPS classroom for a long while now. That being said, my bit to add in is don’t put too much weight on the teacher’s opinion just because she is a “professional.” Some teachers may be worthy of that title in terms of making judgement calls like this but many are not. Her opinion is valid only as someone who see your daughter very often, not as someone who is trained to make that decision because I highly doubt that she is.
Not that it matters in the end but my opinion would be to go forward with Kindergarten if she is academically ready for it. Especially if she is very smart. Her social problems are not going to improve if she is surrounded by children younger than her that do not know as much as she does. She’s going to know all the answers and be frustrated when she needs to wait for the other kids to “get it.” Social and emotional things can be worked on outside school, no matter what classroom she is in and it’s better for her academically if she isn’t bored and is learning new things.
And! My final point (Sorry!) is something I do to help me make a decision. If you put the decision in someone else’s (very qualified, a professional)hands and they were to say “Definitely 100% keep her back.” Would you be content with that decision? If they were to say “Definitely 100% she’s ready, move her on.” Would you be content with that? Sometimes this helps and sometimes it doesn’t but every now and then it helps me figure out what I really want.
MBonn´s last blog ..This is why I’m hot…or ya know, not.
February 6th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Adoreable bedroom!
I know you didn’t ask my opinion, but here’s my thought anyway… A lot of kids aren’t ready for kindergarten. But they adjust quickly. And those who dont’ can be taken out during the year and start again the next fall or they can do kindergarten twice if they need to. But if you don’t send a child to kindergarten, then they don’t ever get a chance to show what they can do or how well they can adjust and if a child doesn’t go, she can’t join later in the year. Just my opinion.
Cookie´s last blog ..Before and After
February 6th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
It’s most definitely a difficult decision. My boy is an August baby and I had to decide whether to start him and hold him back. I started him and I will admit there were times that I second guessed my decision. However, he is now doing just fine…good luck with your decision.
Puna´s last blog ..February 6, A Record Snow
February 6th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
After reading your post twice (all the while reflecting on my own school experiences being 1.5 -2 years younger than my peers because my parents started me in kindergarten 6 months after I turned 4) … I don’t envy you this decision. Like Babisodes, I was precociously advanced intellectually … and had become a voracious reader early. In retrospect, I would have appreciated someone pointing out to me that I was so much younger than everyone else … though it might have made no difference given my highly competitive nature. My advice to you is to observe as objectively as possible and trust your intuition at least as much as the advice from Babisode’s teachers. My sister has never regretted her decision to keep her oldest son home an extra year … we both believe that his academic success and social relationships benefited. Enrolling her in both is smart because it gives you options. I suspect you’ll know what to do when the time rolls around … so in the meantime, try to R E L A X.
Hmmm … It seems Comment Luv is ‘off’ by one for some reason and it won’t let me fix it. Perhaps the Universe things you’d enjoy my ‘random’ thoughts more than today’s photos???
Hugs and blessings,
Happily Retired Gal´s last blog ..13 Random Thoughts in my Mind this Morning
February 6th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
First of all, LOVE her room!!!
Second, I can relate to this so much. My son’s birthday is just a few days before the cut-off and we were kind of up in the air about enrolling him in Kindergarten. But he changed A LOT right before he started …. it was strange. It is like they suddenly grow up in the late part of year 4. And he loved Kindergarten so much more than his preschool. So follow your instincts … if you feel she is ready, she probably is. And she might surprise you. I totally worried about my son and then he was fine.
Sometimes this mothering thing can be so hard. You just want someone to TELL you what to do sometimes.
Jenners´s last blog ..Goal Update 1
February 6th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
First of all, I agree that you need to trust your instincts on this one. My daughter was an August baby. People had asked me if I was going to hold her back, but she was also reading already, and I couldn’t imagine doing that. Emotionally, she was immature compared to her peers, and it did take a while for her to adjust to public school, but now she’s doing fine and loves Kindergarten. I don’t regret my decision at all.
Secondly, I want to know how in the world you keep your daughter’s room so neat and tidy!
Asianmommy´s last blog ..Fingers & Toes (Mandarin)
February 6th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
I think you did the right thing, enrolling in both. Kids change so much, so quickly. 7 months is a looong time to a four year old. I suspect as you get closer, the decision will become more clear. Trust your instinct, you want what’s best for your child in a way that no one else will, not even a “professional” educator.
Cara´s last blog ..Stages
February 6th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
http://jingleyanqiu.wordpress.com/2010/02/07/sundays-forecast-sunny-100-sunshine/
a sunshine award 4 u,
jingle´s last blog ..Super Bowl Haiku
February 7th, 2010 at 6:01 am
Beautiful room there – how do you keep it so tidy??
We had the same dilemma with my youngest. We decided for him to start school, even though he wasn’t even six (two months short of). Our decision was based on the kind of kindergarten and the kind of school we have. It’s a democratic school system, so that means the school is much more flexible and it’s not as intensive as a regular school.
Anne´s last blog ..They Might Be Giants Songs
February 7th, 2010 at 6:55 am
I think you should send her to K. If she’s bored in PreK this year, it’s going to be worse next and by the time she’s in K, she’s going to go bananas learning her letters. She may be acting out b/c of all the changes she knows that are coming—trust your instincts on this one.
Fairly Odd Mother´s last blog ..The lollipop plant miracle that mere mortals can perform
February 7th, 2010 at 10:46 am
many congratulations on your “sunshine award, much deserved and congratulations to the nominees, a great sunshine day
February 7th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
What a beautiful photo and a thoughtful post. I wish I had some words of advice, but I don’t. I can understand how you are being pulled in two different directions, without there being a clear sign about which way to go. I hope that you find something that points you in the right direction.
Allison´s last blog ..Why I Started Blogging
February 7th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Six months is a long time for a child and a lot can happen by then. I’m sure you will do what’s best for Babisodes.
My oldest is starting Kindegarten in September, birthday in November so I didn’t have that choice. He gets very emotional when he wants something and wants it NOW. I’m hoping he gets over this before he starts too.
I’m sure wherever she goes, she’ll have you there to support her and she will be fine.
Maria @ Conversations with Moms´s last blog ..Is Your Bowl Ready for the Big Game Sweepstakes
February 7th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Sweet room. Sweet girl. Sweet mom.
She sounds so much like Kelly, academically ahead, a little not as emotionally “matured” as her peers. Kelly quite willful too, bytimes. I bet Babisodes is very artistic too, like you, and will always be that way. I imagine you’ll put her in Kinder and give her as many extra hugs as you can, rather than keep her another year. Luckily you don’t have to decide any time soon!
xo and extra hugs.
Jannie Funster´s last blog ..Gratitude
February 7th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
I love this heart-warming post. She is such a darling! Yeah, how do you keep it so tidy. When did she start sleeping by herself, by the way?
ceemee´s last blog ..The Dream Dollhouse For Me
February 7th, 2010 at 11:33 pm
I had the same issues with my oldest. Hard decision to make, that’s for sure. Holding her back could have it’s advantages right now with the new baby. She is transitioning from only child to big sibling. Holding her back would at least give you one more year for her to be a baby…it changes so much when they go to school full time. AND she will be a little older when she leaves for college which will help. If I had started Rachel when she could go to school, she would have graduated high school at 17!!! I thought the extra year hopefully would give her a little more maturity at college.
Anyway, I’m rambling. Do what your heart says…it’s always the right answer.
Dejoni´s last blog ..Mysterious Messages
February 8th, 2010 at 9:39 am
Having worked briefly in the early childhood education field, I can tell you teachers over react at the slight feeling the child may not be “coping’. She is an ONLY child and teachers forget sometimes how the dynamics of home play up at school. If the intelligence is there, do not hold her back. She might just be a temperamental genius. Just socialize her more and she will catch up.
Elaine B.´s last blog ..High Fashion Couture Feminine Illustrations
February 8th, 2010 at 11:01 am
I think that you should do what you think is best for Babisodes. That being said, I definitely agree with what some of the others said about her being bored. I think Kindergarten will challenge her, and that’s what kids need when they are at a higher level of retention. PLUS, I think that it will be good for here, with version 2.0 coming very soon!
Heather´s last blog ..5 things I love in 2010
February 8th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
My sis went through the same issues with my niece. Everything will turn out okay. : )
savvy gal´s last blog ..New Kiehl Acai Moisturizer & Toner
February 8th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
It sounds to like she DEFINITELY needs to be in kindergarten. She is very advanced and the social aspect will come along in her own time. Perhaps she is just bored with her class and that is why she wants to be called on first. Because she KNOWS the answer.
She sounds VERY bright. Don’t fret, mama. It will all work out.
Kat´s last blog ..Mission Accomplished
February 8th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Wow. I had a lot of the same issues with my 4 – now 5 – year old. Her birthday was a month ago, so no decision for us when she gets to start the big K. However, my daughter has a lot of the same traits as Babisodes (the always first thing comes to mind, and when she’s not, hooo boy look out), but there is a lot of intellect behind it. If I had the opportunity, I would have started her last Fall, but we didn’t have the option. On the other hand, I am glad I can hold on to one of my babies for just a little longer before she goes off into the world of school. (BTW, love the photo there).
Jenna´s last blog ..Friends
February 8th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
My daughter will turn 5 two weeks after the cut off. She’s reading already (pre-primer type books) and could totally handle K next year. My husband wants to have her tested to get her into K next year. Me? No, I want her to stay back a little. My son is one of the youngest in his class and it is bummer most of the time. I want my daughter to have the benefit of being one of the oldest. Plus, then she’ll be wiser to the boys when she’s older.
CC´s last blog ..Sometimes, I feel so…small
February 8th, 2010 at 7:15 pm
I came over through They Call Me Jane.
I totally relate to your post. My son is a summer birthday, and so was I. I wasn’t held back, so I wasn’t planning to hold my son back, especially since his birthday was a whole month earlier in the calender than mine. Then we had a parent-teacher confrence, and they too mentioned he wasn’t socially ready for kindergarten. So I asked about the other areas. They said he was academically ready. Most of the advice I got on my own blog was to hold him back, but I’m not so sure. I worry that if he’s academically ready then he’ll be bored next year and will be even worse than he is now. So we’re going to kindergarten.
Good luck with your decision. I know it’s a hard one.
faemom´s last blog ..Child experts, I dare ya
February 9th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
Having met your daughter exactly once, I say send her to Kindergarten. It will be much worse if you wait a year. She is quite precocious and no preschooler has perfect social behavior.
Angela at mommy bytes´s last blog ..Children of Invention – Coming to Boston!
February 11th, 2010 at 4:51 pm