As a parent whose child was born in September, right before the kindergarten cutoff in our state, I faced a significant decision as my daughter approached her fourth birthday: Should we enroll her in kindergarten and have her be the youngest in her class, or should we wait another year so she would be among the oldest? The choice is far more complex than it appears, and the available research on delaying kindergarten presents mixed conclusions.
Some studies suggest that being the youngest in a class can be beneficial for a neurotypical child, encouraging them to rise to the intellectual and emotional challenges posed by older peers. This can help them avoid being the disengaged student who disrupts others. Conversely, other research indicates that delaying kindergarten might lead to better academic outcomes. For instance, Thomas Dee, a co-author of a Stanford study advocating for postponing kindergarten, noted, “We found that delaying kindergarten for one year reduced inattention and hyperactivity by 73% for an average child at age 11.” With such conflicting studies, how can parents make the best choice?
Ultimately, the decision depends on the individual child and family circumstances. My husband and I opted to wait, influenced heavily by the insights of our mothers, both of whom were elementary school teachers. My mother, who specialized in helping struggling students, often observed that those who faced challenges in school were frequently among the younger students. She emphasized how being behind could lead to increased stress, resulting in less enjoyment of school for those children.
Having also experienced the situation with my older child, who was born just after the cutoff, I saw firsthand the advantages of being the oldest. He thrived in a leadership role, demonstrating greater emotional regulation and the ability to focus during lessons. He didn’t face separation anxiety and no longer needed naps, which made his transition into kindergarten smoother.
Moreover, today’s kindergarten curriculum is significantly more demanding than in the past. Gone are the days of leisurely play and naptime; children are now expected to learn to read, master numbers up to 100, grasp simple addition, and maintain focus for extended periods. The reduction in free play and recess time can be particularly challenging for energetic children like my daughter. I wondered whether she would have the self-control necessary to navigate such an environment at just five years old.
While she may have managed eventually, I believe that waiting a year will allow her to start kindergarten ready to engage emotionally and academically. Delaying her entry means she will have an additional year to mature, which should enhance her ability to adapt to the classroom environment.
Overall, for our family, the advantages of postponing kindergarten outweighed any potential drawbacks. However, each family must weigh their unique situation and determine what is best for their child. There are parents who have chosen to enroll their younger children and found them to be ready, so every decision is valid in its context.
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Summary
Delaying kindergarten can have both advantages and disadvantages, depending on the child and family circumstances. Research shows mixed outcomes, with some children thriving as the youngest and others benefiting from being older and more mature. Personal experiences, such as those of the author and her family, influence the decision, highlighting the importance of considering each child’s unique needs and the educational environment they will enter.