Pregnancy is a remarkable journey. I remember knowing I was expecting my second child less than 72 hours after a spontaneous romantic encounter. It seemed improbable—I was 35 and it had only happened once—but I just knew. Before even taking a test, I calculated my due date, landing in early December. That meant one thing: a September baby.
In today’s world, being born in September comes with its own set of implications, and the thought lingered in my mind. I soon learned I was having a boy, which only intensified my contemplation. As kindergarten approached, I began to notice the discomfort of other mothers as they would ask, “What’s your plan for school?”
Other moms who had chosen to hold their late-born boys back shared their satisfaction with the decision. Conversely, some who hadn’t and faced grade repetition expressed regret over their choice. They urged me to consider delaying my son’s start for the potential advantages he might gain. The reasons were plentiful: fine motor skills, maturity, and the overall developmental readiness were just a few. Many echoed the sentiment that being older would mean he’d be bigger, faster, and more capable than his younger peers.
I should disclose that I am an educator. With years of classroom experience and a doctorate in special education, I have a solid understanding of child development. I know that today’s kindergarten demands are akin to what was once expected in first grade. Despite my knowledge, I often found myself grappling with my decision.
As January rolled around and registration loomed, I oscillated between Should I? and Shouldn’t I? Starting him too soon might have ramifications, but delaying could also have its drawbacks. There were days I wished for an alternative option. Ultimately, I decided to rely on my professional insights and listen to what my son was telling me.
My September boy is bright and capable—he could have handled kindergarten at just 4 years old. However, as registration day approached, I realized that just because he could manage the challenges, it didn’t mean he needed to. One morning, I watched him intently studying a Lego bridge he had built, pondering his next move. In that moment, clarity washed over me: this was less about my decision and more about the opportunity I could provide him.
We made the choice to give him an extra year—a precious gift of time to be a child. Instead of rushing off to school at 7:15 a.m., we savored our mornings in pajamas until 8:15 a.m., taking the scenic route to preschool. Rather than facing long hours of structured learning, he enjoyed unstructured play, dress-up, and countless Fridays at home. He didn’t have to navigate bustling hallways and busy cafeterias; instead, he received his snacks and lunches in the comfort of his classroom, where he learned to pour his own milk.
The pressures placed on school-aged children are real. It’s more than just being born in September; it’s about meeting those expectations. While I’m not here to fight against the system, I am committed to shielding my child from its demands.
Looking back, choosing to redshirt my September boy was undoubtedly the right decision for our family. As the school year wraps up, I see that gifting him time has allowed him to start school on his terms—confident, happy, and eager to learn. His love for school is something I doubt he would have felt without that extra year. Ultimately, I provided him with an advantage that had little to do with physical attributes. I’m not concerned whether he’ll be taller, faster, or stronger than his peers. What truly matters is that he’s a joyful little boy who thrives in a school environment, and I would take that over speed any day.
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In summary, my experience as an educator allowed me to make an informed decision regarding my son’s education, ultimately opting to give him more time to grow and explore before starting kindergarten.
Keyphrase: Delaying Kindergarten for September Babies
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