Why We Delayed Our 5-Year-Old’s Entry into Kindergarten

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Academic redshirting is the practice of postponing a child’s entry into kindergarten to give them an extra year for growth, learning, and confidence-building. The hope is that this additional time will set them up for greater success in their educational journey.

My daughter was born in early September, right before Colorado’s kindergarten cut-off of September 30th. While I’m confident she would thrive in kindergarten this year, we initially considered the benefits of giving her a head start. Why not send her off to school armed with as much knowledge and maturity as possible? So, we dove into research, and what we found was quite surprising.

The studies are all over the map—some suggest that redshirted kids don’t see any academic edge, and in some cases, they actually perform worse than their peers. Conversely, other research indicates that an extra year can help kids flourish academically. Some parents believe that putting a child in school younger will push them to rise to the occasion, while others argue that the added age can foster emotional maturity to handle school’s challenges. Each child’s unique situation influences these decisions, and ultimately, I had to focus on what was best for mine.

Despite the mixed findings, we chose not to enroll her in kindergarten as an “almost 5-year-old.” Here’s why:

1. I Know My Child Best.
   I’m not holding her back because I think she needs to catch up in height or smarts. I believe she can adapt, but I also see great potential in her as a future leader.
2. Personal Preference.
   Five-year-olds are such a joy! They can express themselves, have a semblance of emotional control, and they’re downright hilarious. We’re having a blast together this year, and I cherish this time.
3. Flexibility in Our Situation.
   If I had a full-time job outside the home, my decision might have been different. Since I’m able to work from home in my pajamas, I can pause to do puzzles, practice letters, or even have coloring contests. This lifestyle fits us perfectly.
4. Her Friends are Waiting Too.
   Most of her buddies will be starting school next year, making the transition smoother and more fun for her.
5. My Son’s Experience.
   My son is one of the oldest in his class after missing the cut-off by just 19 days. He’s confident and self-motivated, and I think being older has played a positive role in his schooling.
6. Teacher Opinions Matter.
   Every teacher in my family (that’s six opinionated voices!) has advised against rushing into kindergarten. While research may show negligible differences, their insights have given me confidence in our choice.

We feel good about our decision. Delaying her start in school won’t harm her; in fact, it might just heighten her excitement for next year. Each family’s situation is unique, and this choice is what works best for ours.

For more insights on this topic, check out our other blog posts on home insemination and related subjects at this link. If you’re navigating similar decisions, Make a Mom is an excellent resource on family planning. Also, news-medical.net offers valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination.

Summary:

Delaying kindergarten entry, or redshirting, can offer children additional time for growth and maturity. Parents must weigh various factors, including individual child needs and personal circumstances, when making this decision. After considering the pros and cons, I chose to keep my daughter out of kindergarten for another year, believing it to be the best choice for her development and future success.