by A.J. Morrison

Created on: June 27, 2008

Kindergarten readiness is a very individual topic. The most important factor in this decision is to not let your own ego get in the way. I am a mother of four very different children and I confess that I was guilty in the past of egotistical decisions where my children's education was concerned.

My first was very intelligent, but with a June birthday, was somewhat socially immature. However, I started him into kindergarten and he ended up doing exceedingly well. No regrets.

My second child suffers from ADHD as well as a mild case of Dyslexia. Something she was finally diagnosed with this year (in fourth grade). I started her to school as a June 5 year old, like her brother, and she managed well all considering. However, looking back I do think that it would have helped if I had waited a year. Her social and emotional ability to cope with her own inner challenges would have been more developed.

My third child suffers from severe Dyslexia and Disgraphia. I also suspect a mild form of ADD with him, though his other learning disabilities could account for those symptoms as well. He, like his big sister, was just diagnosed this year (in second grade). His disabilities, I am convinced, were brought on by chronic ear infections as a baby. He was diagnosed at one time as being mostly def. A condition that cleared up likely because of fluid behind his ears.

When I took my third child into the Child Find kindergarten registration, I expected to be told that he was not ready to start. His test scores fell in the "average" range for a child his age. I even asked the reviewer if they were certain he was ready. She assured me he was. I was reluctant to proceed with enrollment, but I thought, "these are professionals; surely they know what is best for my child."

Mothers, I plead with you to trust yourselves and your judgment. Be honest with yourselves and your child. Children are not required by law to start school until the age of 6. That may vary in different states, but the important fact is that just because your child is 5 you should not rush him or her into education.

My third child did pass kindergarten, though barely and only because I got him extra help. Starting him into school when I did changed him in ways that I was not very happy with. We were both frustrated with the work load that was required to help him succeed. Not knowing at the time that he suffered learning disabilities did not help either. He was often disappointed in himself and I was heart broken as I witnessed his struggles.

My conclusion is simple, do not push your child forward because it is the "norm", people are pressuring you, or you are "ashamed" to hold a child back. The fact is the best thing you can do for your child is be honest about what the best choices are for him/her. Your kudos will come in seeing the wonderful, self confident little person that develops as your child is allowed the opportunity to pace himself!

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