Parenting Insights
Academic redshirting refers to the practice of postponing a child’s entry into kindergarten to provide them with extra time to grow, learn, and develop their confidence. The aim is to enhance their chances of success in school.
My daughter was born in early September, just before Colorado’s cutoff date of September 30 for kindergarten enrollment. I knew she would likely thrive if she started this year. Initially, we thought, why not give her an edge in life by sending her to school better prepared? But after researching, we found mixed results in studies. Some indicate that redshirted kids show no significant academic benefits and, in some instances, may perform worse than their peers. Conversely, other studies suggest that an additional year allows children to excel academically.
Parents often debate whether enrolling a child at a younger age will push them to rise to the occasion or if waiting provides more emotional maturity for navigating the school environment. Every family has unique circumstances to consider, and ultimately, I had to evaluate what was best for my own child based on the information available.
Despite the ongoing debate, we chose not to enroll her as an “almost 5” year-old, and here’s why:
- Understanding My Child’s Needs
I’m not holding her back because I think she lacks maturity or intelligence. I believe she’ll thrive in either situation, but I also see her potential as a future leader. - Enjoying Our Time Together
Five-year-olds are simply delightful. They can communicate effectively, manage their emotions better than toddlers, and often have the best sense of humor. This year together has been incredibly rewarding, and I cherish every moment. - Flexibility in Our Lifestyle
If I had a demanding job outside the home, my decision might have been different. Thankfully, I can work from home, allowing me to balance my writing with fun activities like puzzles, letter practice, and movies. This arrangement suits us perfectly. - Peer Connections
Most of her friends will be starting school next year too. I believe this shared experience will make her transition smoother and more enjoyable. - Positive Experiences with My Son
My son, who missed the kindergarten cutoff by just 19 days, is thriving as one of the oldest in his class. He’s confident and motivated, and while I can’t attribute his success solely to his age, it hasn’t hindered him either. - Advice from Educators
All six educators in my family unanimously advised against enrolling her early. Although research may suggest minimal differences between redshirted and non-redshirted children, their professional insights have reinforced my confidence in our decision.
As parents, we feel content with our choice. Delaying her school start won’t harm her and may even heighten her enthusiasm for next year. Every family must make decisions based on their unique circumstances, and this was what felt right for us. For more on parenting choices, check out one of our other blog posts here. If you’re considering at-home insemination options, reputable retailers like Cryobaby offer excellent kits. You can also find valuable information on donor insemination at American Pregnancy.
Summary
In this article, I share our decision to redshirt our daughter instead of enrolling her in kindergarten. Factors like understanding her needs, enjoying our time together, lifestyle flexibility, peer connections, positive experiences from my son, and advice from family educators all contributed to our choice. Delaying her start could foster excitement for her school journey ahead.