Re: September b-day, holding back for K?

I am a December birthday, so I was the youngest in my class and had no problems.

DD is a Nov birthday and she is doing the work of a kid 6 months older than her. So I sent her.

DS on the other hand, if he were a September birthday, I may consider it. Because he is completely different from DD.

I think you should talk to your pre-K teacher and see how he is doing in class. If he is able to do the work, then I think you should send him. JMHO

Re: September b-day, holding back for K?

I would only hold a kid back if the preschool teacher or pediatrician advised it, not because they are on the young side.

Down here in VA, the cut off is 9/30. Many parents hold their kids back if they are born in June or later!! Many times, they are boys and their parents think it will give them the advantage in sports

I met a kid at the playground earlier this year who was 9 years old and only in the second grade. His Mom said he was "immature" in preschool and she held him off from starting kindergarten on time. He was huge and stood out from the group of kids who were with him.

My SIL sent my nephew on time. His birthday is 9/15 and he is near the cut-off. He was a pretty wild preschooler and had a hard time sitting still and focusing. Guess what? After a few months of kindergarten, he matured a great deal and he is much much more focused!

They credited it to him being around kids a bit older, and that was a good influence on him and a motivator to act more mature like the kids around him. There was also more work expected of him than preschool so that kept him occupied.

I would rather set the bar HIGHER for my child to challenge them and help them grow, then set it lower by putting him with younger kids in the hopes that he will "shine".

Of course- this does not include special needs kids or those with behavior or issues-if they need extra time before starting kindergarten, that is different! By all means, I would hold them back if that is the advice I am given by a professional.

September b-day, holding back for K?

this is a go with your gut thing.
I have friends who do hold their summer baby boys back and put them in transitional k programs.
I was surprised-but this is their kid-it is their choice.
Take opinions with a grain of salt.
I never sent mine to preschool. People bothered me about how much school he would be missing from being sick-how he probably won't be social-how K is so hard.
A month into it, perfect attendence, friends, and i am in the class 4 hours a week-he is leading the class.
do what you want-he is yours. you have a whole year to explore it. sit down now and see if he can do 30 minutes of "homework" with you daily. good luck!

Message edited 9/27/2012 9:12:19 AM.

Re: September b-day, holding back for K?

and really, if you ever move out of NY...your kid will be same age in class as rest of the country.
everywhere else a sept baby will stay at home and wait till the next year to go.

Re: September b-day, holding back for K?

My DD was born the day before the cut off and I struggle with the decision constantly. She is turning 3 years old and I still have not decided what to do. She is in the 3s program for preschool. There are some children who turn 4 years old a few days after she turns 3. I asked her 2s teacher whether to send her to the 3s and she said that she was ready.

My son's birthday is 2 months before the cut off, and everyone asked me whether I was holding him back. He is the tallest kid in his class and taller than some of the first graders on our block. Maturity wise he needs to develop patience. He also could use some fine motor skills help, but he is really improving. I was worried, but I sent him to kindergarten as planned.

Re: September b-day, holding back for K?

My DDs bday also meets the cutoff. I personally would never hold back due to this. If I SAW she was having a hard time, I might consider it. But I would definitely give it a good long trial and see.

The way it was expressed to me by someone I know made the best sense....

I rather my child be the youngest (which she is). I want my child to challenge herself, following those around who are older, smarter, more socially aware, than choose for her to be (by holding her back), the oldest, tallest, smartest, etc, among younger kids.

And I agree with that sentiment.

Message edited 9/27/2012 10:39:26 AM.

Re: September b-day, holding back for K?

Thanks again, it's really interesting to see/hear both sides and makes a decision even more difficult! I should clairfy that I would not hold him back because I think it's an advantage in general, just if he was struggling socially another year in pre-K may give HIM an advantage to mature a little more. And sports would never be a consideration, lol. He is a big boy now so holding him back would make him stand out, I'm sure he would look like a giant entering K a year later! I guess it's hard since he is my first, I don't know what "normal" is for the age, and I'm not a teacher or anything like that to know what to expect from a certain age. All we want is what is best for our kids... it stinks that it's so hard to know what is best all the time!! I need a crystal ball!

Re: September b-day, holding back for K?

Re: September b-day, holding back for K?

My child is a Sept birthday, we did not hold back. Doing just fine.

Re: September b-day, holding back for K?

This is a very personal decision and it should be based on your child's individual development. My kids were born in March so we don't have this dilemma.

DH is a November birthday. He was originally held back but then he skipped a grade so he ended up usually being the youngest in his class.

We know a 4yo who is super tall for his age (his dad is 6'8"). He already looks like he is in 3rd grade or so. They are holding him back because he is mentally immature even though he is a giant. We knew another kid in a similar boat.

If your child is academically ready, I would send her to K and not hold her back. If you think she would struggle academically, I would hold her back.

Re: September b-day, holding back for K?

Re: September b-day, holding back for K?

Here's my 2 cents. Unless you dc is delayed for whatever reason and receiving services, I personally think holding them back is wrong. JMHO.