need some outside opinions.

jenmom2girls

I'm a sahm. Dd1 was born in August about 2 weeks after the cut off for school enrollment. I decided that since I would be home with dd2 anyways I would keep dd1 home with me and do just one year of pre-k and then she would be in kindergarten right when she turns 6.
My problem is I have a lot of people telling me I'm wrong for not trying to send her earlier. They keep telling me if I sent her for 2 years of pre-k that they will go ahead and let her move up, or that I can have her tested in. I just keep wondering why they are trying to push me into this. I don't want to send her yet, and I'm not technically holding her back, so what's the big deal?
She isn't just sitting around the house doing nothing. She knows the alphabet and can identify them and her numbers and we read daily. I just feel like I'm doing something wrong:( Is their anyone around here who has a child that started kindergarten at 6 instead of 5? Am I hurting her by waiting?

thebanich

No. She is fine. I was pushed into K at 4 because of a late birthday and struggled because of it. You are doing the right thing.

jenmom2girls

The emotional thing is something I worry about, but it's more because of my own school life. Dd and I actually have the same birthday and I was always the baby in class and for me it was good. I didn't make friends easily, and had my feelings hurt a lot. I just feel like if she had that extra year to prepare maybe things will be better for her.

jenmom2girls

Thank you so much. I hate that I let everyone else get to me about my children. It's just never ending.

tbmadeamistake

I missed the cut off by two days and mom didn't push to start me early.  I survived without any problems.  I was one of the smarter kids in the class but whether that was age related or just good genes, who knows (sorry, that sounds kind of arrogant but I don't know how else to put it).  I never minded being one of the oldest.  I think you are fine doing what you are doing.

thebanich

I was so miserable. I cried when I got dropped off. I struggled with reading. I struggled with other kids.

It was a nightmare. #scarred4lyfe

jenmom2girls

@thebanich‌ me too!! I hated it so much. That's why I have been working with Dd so much with reading and following directions. I felt like I was never on the same level.

jenmom2girls

@ClaryPax‌ I'm not redshirting her. She turns 5 two weeks after the cut off in our state.

thebanich

The cutoff here is like... July 31. Crazy early.

jenmom2girls

Big thank you to everyone!

RayRay007

I think only you know your kid and can make that decision. Our cut off is Jan 31. I have a Jan bday and was 4.5 when I started K and was always the youngest in my class but I did fine. I was social and if anything I wasn't challenged enough academically. Dd has a Mar bday and misses the cut off by 6-7 weeks. She will be 5.5 when she starts K but I think she would be ready this year at 4.5. I can just imagine how bored she will be in K in over 1.5 years from now. But there are plenty if kids her age that are nowhere near ready, either socially or academically. Maybe they just think your daughter has the skills but don't understand how they're coming across.

Mags748

My birthday was right on the cutoff (Sept 1st) and I was never upset that I didn't go a year sooner. I always did really well on school and my second grade teacher even tried to have my parents let me skip ahead to 3rd grade but they didn't want to.

Even later on I think it can be a benefit to be a year older. At least if you wait, your child will be an adult rather than a minor if/when they go off to college. I know most college students still have a lot of maturing to do anyway, even at 21, but I am sure an extra year could help in some cases.

bensmommy518

We have the same question to answer with my son - his birthday is the 12th and the cut off her is the 1st.  I chose to have him wait until he is old enough and not try to push him early because everything I have heard and read seems to favor having kids older rather than younger when in school.  I know there are exceptions to this but I am comfortable with the decision I have made.  I still get pressure from others about it but its my kid, my decision.  You have to be okay with your decision, not everyone else. 

aforst

I don't think you're wrong at all.  It's your child and you know what is best for her.  DS2 will turn 5 one month after the cutoff for K.  We aren't going to look into sending him early.  He will start K when he's almost 6.  We aren't in any hurry and I really don't think it's going to hurt him in the long run. 

It's hard when people are getting on you and making you question your decisions.  Stay strong and know that you know what is best!