I know what the advice says, but I ignored it.
Kindergarten enrolments are open again and every parent with a four-year-old born in the first half of the year is deciding whether to enrol their child in school next year.
A few years ago I was one of those parents.
My son is a March baby and basically from the moment he was born everyone asked “when will you send him to school”.
I’ve researched and I’ve read all the advice: “hold your child back or you are a horrible parent” and “don’t ever send boys, it is the worst thing you could do for them”.
I viewed it like I view all parenting advice I’m given. I consider it, take it on board, and then, if necessary, completely ignore it, do the opposite and follow what my gut says is right for my child.
This was one of those times and I, confidently, sent my four-year-old to big school.
I get asked all the time “why did you send him?”.
Of course, I can’t really give a direct answer to that but I can tell you that I, 100% believe each child should be considered on their own merit not on their birth date or their gender.
And, more importantly, I will not decide when to send my child to school based on whether he can attend schoolies legally when he finishes high school. Yes, I actually had people say to me “but he won’t be 18 when he finishes school.”
Not that it matters but isn't it better he won’t be 18 and tempted to go pub-crawling while doing HSC exams? (As an August baby myself, I admit to this being a real issue).
Also, parents need to understand that school is not all about social skills and whether children are outgoing or as many people call it 'socially ready'. If anything, my son’s social skills were the least developed of all his skills.
He was quiet and reserved and still cried sometimes when I dropped him off at preschool and, yes, I still sent him.
But, from the day he started school my son has thrived. He thrived on the routine, the work and he just flourished in the whole school environment.
Basically – he was ready.
He could have a conversation with an adult, dress himself and responsibly look after his own things.
Academically he was beyond ready; he wrote his name when he was two and maths knowledge just came instinctively to him.
Some kids are ready for school despite their age. They enjoy the structure and routine that school gives them and they love the responsibility and independence. Of course, not all kids are like this but many are, and those that are, are like this from a young age.
Lots of kids are excited for school. Who else remembers this adorable clip from Finding Nemo? Post continues are clip.
I knew from when my son was young that he would be ready for school.
Three years on, he still loves school and I am so happy with our decision. He’s accelerated in maths, which still comes so naturally to him, his reading and English are great and he has made a great little group of friends.
He’s still not outgoing or loud, but he never will be, that’s just his personality and I am so glad I didn’t hold him back thinking a year would change this.
If you’re trying to decide whether to send your child next year don’t just consider whether they are outgoing and sociable. Of course they need to be independent but some kids will never be outgoing and loud and so many parents seem to think this is a prerequisite for starting school. It’s not.
Ultimately, you know your child, if you think they are ready they probably are.
Did you send your four-year-old to school?
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Starting school: I'm an anxious mess, but I do't want my kid to be.