Is your child ready for JK

Sometimes making a decision that you think is best for your child leaves you feeling apprehensive. Are we doing the right thing? Should we change our minds?  Not to mention how other people judge your decision – even though their opinion shouldn’t really matter.

My son turns four in mid December. That means he would be eligible to start Junior Kindergarten this September, but we decided to hold him back. If he was born two weeks later, he wouldn’t be starting school until 2015, but because he’s a December baby, technically he should be starting now.

My daughter started JK when it was still full days, but every other day. I remember the entire month of September being mentally exhausting for me and her. Although she loved school, she was anxious and apprehensive as any four-year old is of a new routine and environment. When she moved to SK, it was full days, everyday and again, the entire month of September was exhausting for her until she was familiar with the routine.

Ian would be starting JK every day, all day – and he’s only three. Aside from his age, he’s just not ready. He can get himself dressed, but he does ask for help to ensure he’s putting his shoes on the right feet. He can zip up his coat, but sometime still needs help. And according to the school board’s website, your child must be able to take care of all their own bathroom needs by themselves – we’re almost there, but he does call us when he needs help.

While his languages skills are improving drastically with the help of regular appointments with his speech language pathologist, he’s not always able to communicate clearly. I can understand him, as can his big sister and other family members, but sometimes he tries to talk to someone new and they can’t quite understand him. When people ask him to repeat himself over and over again, he gets frustrated.

So, we’re holding him back and even though I second guessed our decision all summer, I’m very happy we decided to stand firm. He’s grown in leaps and bounds over the past few months, and I feel confident that holding him back will ensure he’ll be ready when he starts school next year. And to those people who disagree with my decision – too bad! Moms and Dads know their children best. His birth year shouldn’t be the deciding factor whether he starts school or not, especially when it’s only two week between being eligible this year and next!