Friday, February 15, 2008

To go to Kindergarten or not to go to Kindergarten - that is the Question?



I have been thinking about sending Shelby to kindergarten next year for many reasons. First, she wants to go to kindergarten next year. Next she has become very academic and is all about writing and letters and numbers now. But she will still be 4 in September when school starts. I also worry that maybe she will be ready for kindergarten at 4, but will she be ready for high school at 13? And finally, it breaks my heart to think she is ready to leave me and go to school. She is my last friend who stays home with me and runs errands with me, etc. For the last 11+ years I have always had a little "friend" with me and it will be weird not to have a companion when she goes off to school. So anyway I am very indecisive and want some input - should she stay in preschool another year or should she go kindergarten?
My gut says she is ready....my heart wants her to stay a little girl for another year... what do you think?

11 comments:

michele said...

Personally, I would wait until she is 5. At that rate you can be sure she is more than ready and the teachers can fast track her or put her in appropriate accelerated classes. You have no way of knowing if there is any way starting her at 4 would be a detriment and I would not take that chance. That's my 2 cents!

Rachel Johnson said...

I think you should wait another year too. She can still keep up with all of the academics she loves so much at her preschool.

michele said...

Plus, you get one last year having her at home, which is maybe the most important thing of all. You can't ever get that back and one of the things I miss most is when my boyz were little.

Karen said...

Hi Lori, I would also suggest you wait until she is 5. You were much like her...ahead of your age. Socially, she will only accell by being with her age group. Plus, give yourself one more wonderful year with this little sweetheart. You will not regret that. Love Mom

Hess Fam said...

Hmmmmm? I am going to jump on the 'waiting' bandwagon. I think she'll be totally bummed being the only sophmore who can't drive or date. My b-day was in December and I liked being on the older side of my classmates.

Braden and Jodee said...

I agree too! I was young for my grade, and socially it was a total bummer. Lots of fights with Mom about dating, dances, etc. - Jodee

papa bill said...

Lori: You and Shelby deserve one more year together. Keep her as close to you as you can for as long as you can. You need help in running errands, etc. Love ya all

Totally Hess said...

Everyone seems to think that wait is the way to go! Thanks for your help and I am still looking for more comments because I am still undecided!

Totally Hess said...
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Totally Hess said...
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Melissa said...

I say you should wait. Even though she is mentally ready, I agree that socially it is better to keep her back another year. My b-day was in May, so I was on the younger end of my grade and I hated that I couldn't drive and go to dances when all my friends were going. I'd hold my kids back without a doubt. Hope that helps!