Advice on Kindergarten/First Grade dilemma

[Ivorytickler]

I wanted to add something here. One thing to consider is whether or not the child has always been ahead. Our pediatrician told us that doing some things ahead is normal. What was abnormal about our dd is she did everything early and in a consistent pattern. She progressed one year for every 9 months for the first 3 years of her life across the board. Had she only been doing some things early (reading or counting or math) he never would have recommended her for early entry into school (school wouldn't allow it and I chose not to let her skip kindy, which was a mistake)

Just because a child is ahead in a few things doesn't mean they will stay ahead. You have to look at the whole package.

[kaday]

Originally Posted by nicet4

Consider I've yet to meet a single a parent who had regrets over holding their kid back opting to send them later.

But I've met a number who have regretted sending them to early/to young.

Have you ever met a parent who lamented "Johnny is 16 and I wish I would have sent him to first grade a year earlier"? If not then there's your answer.

IMO it's better to have her be the oldest in the classroom and not the youngest.

Besides, you get to keep your baby one more year.

We went through this whole process with our child. I spent a year researching information and talking with anyone who had held their child back. I even had my child evaluated by a psychologist (I went a little nutty). I always came back to my gut instinct....she wasn't mature enough even though chronologically she was old enough. It wasn't at all about academics. She was an excellent student. I haven't met one parent who held their child back and regreted it. The pyschologist told me if she is an immature student now...she will be one when she goes to Middle school and when she goes to college. Maturity doesn't really catch up with the rest of the group.....I think this was very good advice. This is the only time you have to give them the benefit of maturity without them really being affected socially. Honestly I didn't make my final decision until 1 week before school started. I still wasn't convinced I had made the right choice until about November of the school year. It really depends on your child. And follow your gut instinct. You know your child better than anyone else....