Pregnancy is a miraculous journey. Less than 72 hours after a chance encounter, I just knew I was expecting our second child. At 35 years old, the odds seemed slim, but my instincts were strong. Even before a test confirmed it, I was already calculating timelines and estimating a due date for early December—meaning I was set to have a September baby.
In today’s world, being born in September carries its own weight. It became a recurring thought in the back of my mind, especially after discovering I was having a boy. The closer we got to the kindergarten enrollment date, the more I noticed other mothers shifting uncomfortably when they asked, “What are your plans for school?”
Many mothers who chose to hold their sons back felt relieved about their decision, while others who didn’t, only to see their children repeat a grade, expressed regret. They all encouraged me to consider delaying my son’s entry into kindergarten for the benefits it could provide, citing factors such as fine motor skills, maturity, and the physicality often associated with boys. The consensus was clear: being older, bigger, and faster would be an advantage over being younger, smaller, and slower.
As an educator with years of classroom experience and currently teaching at the university level, I understand developmentally appropriate practices, milestones, and best educational methods. However, I also recognize that kindergarten has evolved into what feels like the new first grade. I knew what was expected of my September boy, but that didn’t make the decision any easier.
Ultimately, I chose to hold my September boy back—not for the reasons you might think.
With registration starting in January, I found myself caught in a whirlwind of indecision. Starting him too soon might have consequences, but delaying could also have its downsides. I often wished for a third option. In the end, I decided to let my son guide me.
He was undeniably bright and capable; he could have navigated kindergarten at just 4 years old. Yet, as I observed him one morning—pajamas on, head resting on the floor as he meticulously examined his Lego creation—I realized that my decision didn’t have to be a burden. Instead, it could be a gift. I recognized he had the luxury of time, and I was determined to provide that to him.
We decided to give him an extra year to be little. Instead of rushing out the door by 7:15 a.m., we lingered in our pajamas until 8:15 a.m., enjoying leisurely drives to preschool. He could have been facing a structured environment with limited playtime, but instead, he reveled in unstructured play, dress-up, and plenty of time at home. Rather than navigating crowded hallways and managing cafeteria trays, he enjoyed classroom snacks and learning to pour his own milk.
There are undeniable pressures placed on school-aged children, and the implications of being born in September can be significant. While I don’t wish to challenge the status quo, I am committed to shielding my child from those pressures.
Choosing to redshirt my September boy was undoubtedly the right decision for our family. As we approach the end of the school year, I see that granting him the gift of time has been invaluable. He started school when he was genuinely ready, blossoming into a confident, enthusiastic learner. His love for school is something I believe would have been lessened had he not had that extra year. I may have given him an advantage, but it is not one determined by size or speed. What matters most is that he is a happy, vibrant child who cherishes his school experience, and I would prioritize happiness over speed any day.
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Summary
This article discusses the decision to redshirt a September-born child from kindergarten, highlighting the importance of timing in a child’s educational journey. It emphasizes the joy of giving children the gift of time to mature socially and emotionally, rather than rushing into formal education.