I recently had a conference with my son’s preschool teacher.  While she raved about his intelligence and his heart of gold, she mentioned that we may want to consider waiting an extra year to enroll him in Kindergarten.

Her reasoning was simple: while he’s extremely smart he tends to be a perfectionist and she’s concerned that he’ll move through his school work too slowly.  Plus, if we wait a year to enroll him he’ll be the oldest and more mature.  Bottom line: he’s a boy with a Summer birthday.

This is not the first time I have been given this advice.  Ever since he began preschool at the age of 3 we’ve been told that a late birthday should mean waiting a year to start kindergarten. Nothing seems to be of any relevance other than his birthday – at least that is the impression I am getting.

I have been struggling with this for a while.  I have been researching the advantages and disadvantages to the point where my head was spinning.  And, I think I have finally figured out why this whole ‘holding back’ thing bothers me:

It’s the newest trend for parents.

I am bothered by the fact that the entire idea of starting a child in school a year late is becoming the cool thing to do.  While I understand the maturity thing I am completely bothered by the fact that caring about one’s effort and being a perfectionist is a bad thing.

I have always followed my instincts with my children – especially with my son.  I know that ultimately his father and I will make the right decision, but I can’t help but want to scream when someone automatically assumes that a late birthday should translate to waiting an entire year.

I would love to hear what others have to say about this whole ‘redshirting’ debate.  Do you believe that waiting is best? Or, are you more old school in your thoughts?  Talk amongst yourselves.