Pregnancy is truly a remarkable journey. Just three days after a spontaneous moment of intimacy, I sensed I was expecting our second child. This realization seemed improbable given my age of 35 and the circumstances, yet I instinctively knew. Even before confirming with a pregnancy test, I began calculating dates, envisioning an early December due date that would mean a September birth.
In today’s world, being born in September can carry significant implications, and as the news of having a son settled in, the thought lingered in my mind. As kindergarten approached, I noticed other mothers’ unease as they asked, “What will you do about school?”
Many mothers who chose to hold back their late-born sons expressed satisfaction with their decision. Conversely, those who didn’t and faced the repercussions of their sons needing to repeat a grade often regretted their choice. They encouraged me to consider the benefits of delaying my son’s entry into school, citing aspects like fine motor skills, maturity, and the physical differences boys might face. They all echoed the same sentiment: being older could mean being bigger, faster, and more capable.
As an educator with years of experience in the classroom and now teaching future educators, I hold a doctorate in special education. However, I found that my academic background didn’t necessarily translate into parenting wisdom. I understood the developmental milestones and expectations in today’s educational landscape, where kindergarten sometimes resembles what first grade used to be. Despite my knowledge, I was uncertain about the right path for my September son.
Ultimately, I made the decision to delay his kindergarten start—not for the reasons one might assume. As registration approached in January, I was torn between two paths. Starting him too early could lead to consequences, yet delaying might also have its drawbacks. More than anything, I wanted to listen to what my son needed.
My September child is bright and capable, and he could have handled kindergarten at just 4 years old. However, as I observed him one morning immersed in building a Lego suspension bridge, I realized that he had the gift of time—something I was determined to provide.
We decided to give him an extra year of childhood. Instead of the early morning rush to school, we enjoyed leisurely mornings in pajamas, driving to preschool at our own pace. Rather than facing the pressures of a structured classroom, he reveled in unstructured play and exploration. He avoided the challenges of navigating a busy school environment and instead enjoyed snacks and lunch in a familiar classroom setting.
The demands placed on school-aged children today can be overwhelming, especially for those born in September. While I am not looking to challenge the status quo, I felt compelled to protect my child from its pressures.
In hindsight, delaying my son’s kindergarten start was the right choice. As the school year concluded, it became clear that allowing him more time nurtured his confidence, happiness, and eagerness to learn. He developed a love for school that I believe would have been different without that additional year. His happiness outweighs any advantages related to physical growth, and that is what I cherish most.
For further insights on parenting and pregnancy, explore these excellent resources: CCRM IVF and Make A Mom, which provide valuable information on related topics. Additionally, consider reviewing our privacy policy here.
In summary, my decision to delay my September child’s entry into kindergarten was rooted in a desire to prioritize his emotional and developmental needs over academic deadlines. This choice has proven to be beneficial, fostering his love for learning and overall well-being.