Pregnancy is truly a marvel. I vividly remember discovering I was expecting our second child, just days after a spontaneous moment of intimacy. Though I was 35 and it seemed improbable, I just knew. Even before the pregnancy test confirmed it, I started calculating the weeks and months, predicting a due date in early December—meaning I would have a September baby.
In today’s world, being born in September carries significant weight. As I learned I was having a boy, the implications of that month began to loom larger in my mind. As kindergarten approached, I noticed the discomfort from other parents when they inquired, “What are you doing about school?”
Many mothers who chose to hold their sons back voiced their satisfaction with that decision. Those who didn’t, and later faced the challenge of their sons repeating a grade, expressed regret. They often shared that given a second chance, they would have opted for a delay, emphasizing the benefits it could provide for my child in the future. They cited reasons such as physical development, maturity, and social readiness, suggesting that being older would lead to advantages in those areas.
Being an educator myself—having spent years as a classroom teacher and now preparing future educators—I hold a doctorate in special education. I’m aware of the milestones, best practices, and developmental appropriateness required for young learners. I also understand that kindergarten today often resembles what first grade used to be. However, knowing all this didn’t necessarily provide clarity on the best path for my September boy.
Ultimately, I opted to postpone his kindergarten start, but not for the reasons you might expect. The registration process began in January, and for months, I oscillated between “Should I?” and “Shouldn’t I?” Starting him too early could have consequences, as could starting him too late. I knew I had to balance my professional insights with what felt right for my child, allowing him to be my guide.
My September boy is intelligent and capable; he could have thrived in kindergarten at just 4 years old. Yet, as I observed him one morning, lying in his pajamas and deeply engrossed in building a Lego structure, I realized that while he could handle the academic challenges, I wasn’t convinced he needed to. In that moment, I understood that this was no longer just a decision I had to make—it was a choice I could make. I recognized that he had the luxury of time, and I was determined to provide him with it.
We gifted him an additional year of childhood. Instead of rushing out the door at 7:15 a.m., we relished quiet mornings in our pajamas until 8:15 a.m. and took leisurely drives to preschool. Instead of the pressures of structured learning, he engaged in free play, dress-up games, and relaxed Fridays at home. Rather than navigating busy hallways and cafeteria lines, he enjoyed snacks in his classroom and learned to pour his own milk.
There are undeniable pressures placed on school-aged children today, and being born in September is more significant than it seems. While I’m not looking to challenge the status quo, I will do everything in my power to shield my child from its implications.
Choosing to redshirt my September boy was undoubtedly the right decision for us. As the school year drew to a close, I recognized that this gift of time was invaluable. He entered kindergarten when he was ready, translating into a confident, joyful, and enthusiastic learner. His love for school is something I doubt he would have felt without that extra year. While I may have given him a slight advantage, it had nothing to do with his physical attributes. I’m uncertain whether he will be taller or faster than his classmates, and honestly, that’s not my concern. What truly matters is that he is a happy, vibrant boy who cherishes learning—and I’ll always prioritize happiness over speed.
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In summary, my experience as an educator influenced my decision to delay my September child’s entrance into kindergarten. By granting him an extra year, we prioritized his emotional and social development, ensuring he was ready to thrive in the academic environment. Ultimately, this gift of time has fostered a love for learning that will serve him well in the future.