As an Educator, I Chose to Delay My September Child’s Kindergarten Start

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Ah, the wonders of the human body! During my pregnancy, I often thought of it as miraculous. Just a few days after a spontaneous evening of rekindled romance, I had a strong feeling I was expecting our second child. At 35, with only one encounter to account for, it seemed improbable, yet I was convinced. Even before the pregnancy test confirmed it, I was mentally calculating my due date—early December, which meant a September baby was on the way.

Being a September baby carries a weighty reputation these days. As the months rolled by, I found myself pondering this more as I learned I was having a boy. The inevitable question arose from other parents: “What’s your plan for school?” With each inquiry, I noticed a shift in tone among the other mothers. Many who had held their late-born sons back from kindergarten were thrilled with their decision. A few who hadn’t and faced the need for their boys to repeat a grade expressed regret, emphasizing that if they had another chance, they would choose to delay. They encouraged me to consider the benefits of giving my son an extra year—strength in fine motor skills, maturity, and the like were all part of their reasoning. The underlying theme? He would be older, bigger, and more physically capable, which they argued would be preferable to being the younger, smaller counterpart.

Now, let me be clear: I’m an educator. I spent years in a classroom and now teach future teachers at the university level. I hold a doctorate in special education—but that didn’t quite prepare me for the challenges of being a mom. I understand milestones and developmental appropriateness, and I also know that today’s kindergarten looks more like the old first grade. I’m familiar with our school system and what my September boy would face. Yet knowing all this didn’t make my decision any easier.

Ultimately, I chose to redshirt my September boy, but not for the reasons you might expect.

The registration process began in January, and for months, I was engulfed in a whirlwind of indecision. Starting him too early could lead to complications, but delaying could bring its own set of issues. I sometimes wished for an alternative. I realized that I needed to balance my professional knowledge with my son’s own readiness.

My September boy is bright and more than capable of managing kindergarten at just 4 years old. However, as I watched him one morning, lying on the floor in his pajamas with his head resting against the hard surface while meticulously examining his Lego bridge, I recognized something profound. This decision wasn’t merely a necessity—it was a choice I could make. I realized he had the invaluable gift of time, and I was determined to provide it.

The following year was one of enchantment. Instead of rushing out at 7:15 a.m., we lingered in our pajamas until nearly 8:15 a.m., taking the scenic route to preschool. While his peers faced structured environments, he reveled in unstructured play, dress-up, and relaxing Fridays at home. Rather than navigating bustling hallways and cafeteria lines, he enjoyed snacks delivered right to his classroom, honing skills like pouring his own milk.

The reality is that our school-aged children face substantial pressures today. The significance of being a September baby transcends mere birth dates. While I’m not one to challenge the status quo, I felt it was essential to shield my child from its demands.

As the school year draws to a close, I feel confident that delaying his start was the right decision for us. He entered school when he was truly ready, which has made him confident, enthusiastic, and excited about learning. His joy for school is something I doubt he would have experienced without that extra year. While I might not know if he’ll be taller or faster than his classmates, I do know he’s a happy, engaged little boy who loves school. And honestly, I’d pick happiness over speed any day.

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Summary

As an educator and mother, I faced the tough choice of whether to delay my September-born son’s entrance into kindergarten. After careful consideration of his readiness and the pressures of the school system, I decided to give him the invaluable gift of time. This decision proved to be beneficial, as he started school when he was truly ready, resulting in a confident, happy, and eager learner.