Academic redshirting is the practice of delaying a child’s entry into kindergarten to provide them with additional time to develop socially and emotionally. The goal is to help them build confidence and skills that could lead to greater success in their academic journeys.
My daughter was born in early September, just before Colorado’s cutoff date of September 30 for kindergarten enrollment. Although I’m confident she would have thrived if we had enrolled her this year, we initially wondered about the benefits of giving her an extra year. Wouldn’t it be advantageous for her to start school with a head start on knowledge and maturity?
After conducting our research, we were surprised by the mixed findings. Some studies indicate that redshirted children do not exhibit significant academic advantages and, in some cases, may even lag behind their peers. Conversely, other research suggests that the additional year allows children to mature and excel academically. Some parents advocate for enrolling their child at a younger age to encourage resilience and adaptability, while others argue that being older can provide the emotional maturity needed to handle the school environment. Ultimately, every child’s circumstances are unique, and I had to consider what would be best for mine.
Despite the ongoing debate, we decided against enrolling her in kindergarten as an “almost 5.” Here are the reasons behind our decision:
- Understanding My Child’s Needs: I’m not choosing to keep her home because I believe she needs to be more advanced. Rather, I recognize that she’s capable of thriving either way. While she might have risen to the occasion in school, I also see her potential as a future leader.
- Enjoying Our Time Together: Five-year-olds are truly delightful. They possess the ability to express themselves, manage their emotions better, and provide endless amusement. This year has been a joy, and I cherish every moment spent with her.
- Flexible Work Situation: If I were working full-time outside the home, my decision might have been different. Fortunately, I can work from home in my pajamas, allowing me to take breaks for puzzles, letter practice, or simply watching a movie with her. This arrangement suits our family well.
- Social Circle Considerations: Most of her friends will be starting school next year, which I believe will make her transition smoother and more enjoyable.
- Positive Experiences from My Son: My son is one of the oldest in his class, having missed the kindergarten cutoff by only a few days. He has developed confidence and motivation, and I appreciate that he is among the older students. While I’m not attributing his success solely to this factor, it certainly hasn’t hindered him.
- Advice from Educators: All six teachers in my family recommended against early enrollment. Their collective experience has reassured me in our decision, as they consistently notice a difference between redshirted and non-redshirted kids.
We are pleased with our choice to delay her entry into kindergarten. I believe starting a little later will only enhance her enthusiasm for school next year. Ultimately, every family must navigate these decisions based on their unique circumstances, and this was the best choice for ours.
For more insights on family planning, you can check out this post on at-home insemination kits or visit this resource on infertility for expert advice. Additionally, the CDC offers valuable information on infertility and pregnancy.
In summary, our decision to redshirt our daughter was influenced by various factors, including our understanding of her unique needs, the joy of spending time together, our family dynamics, and the advice of experienced educators. Each family will arrive at their own conclusions based on their circumstances, and I feel confident we made the right choice for ours.