Entering Kindergarten at 6

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I’m happy that my child went on time even though she’s young, and would never have this discussion in public. I do feel sorry for the giant kids who look like second graders but are still in kindergarten, and it does make me question the parents’ judgment and values

I wish people would stop calling children "giants" and assuming they're older than the other kids. My child has a birthday that is shortly before the cutoff and went on time, so is actually the youngest in the class almost every year. He is also the tallest in the class almost every year. He is a skinny beanpole and doesn't need anyone calling him a giant.

He is also very athletic and is one of the fastest mile runners in the grade. I'm sure if you saw him you would assume that he was redshirted, but in reality, he is one of the youngest.

So, tallest and athletic doesn't always equate to oldest. And please don't use the word "giant" around your kids- it would be very hurtful if they slipped and used that word in class to describe another child who just happens to be tall.

Yes, that poster is obviously a jerk. Who calls other kids giants? I wonder if she would get upset if someone called her kid tiny or small or I can think of much worse names...my DD is tall for her age and 2 days past the cut off. As of now, she is always the tallest in the class and roller than most/all boys. What are you teaching your child?

I'm the mean PP and my daughter was one of the youngest in her classes and is also really tall. If your child isn't an almost seven-year-old who's still in kindergarten for no other reason than his parents wanted him to be the biggest, I'm not talking about you.

I GUARANTEE you that in DCPS at least, there are very few if not zero kids that fit that description. Nobody is holding back their boys just so they can be the biggest.

Not literally, but there are a lot of parents holding their summer, or even spring, boys back with no medical reason.

It’ does not have to be medical. On my case my child has some social issues due to immaturity and sensitivity. She is tall so I have no interest in holding her back so she can be the tallest child in the class (who does that?)

Again, not literally. But redshirting parents don't want their child to be small, or young, or immature, or whatever. Absent some actual delay, it's gamesmanship to give the child some perceived advantage over their peers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They should have a rule about it. Unless there is a documented reason by a school or doctor, there should be no red shirting.

What’s it to you?

Jerk.

NP here. Because when 6 and then 7 year olds are in K, its unfair to the correctly-aged kids. The older ones get bored, act up and misbehave. Later on they are hitting puberty earlier, are more mature which pulls all the issues of puberty across the grade early.

You know everyone does not go through puberty at the same age right.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I’m happy that my child went on time even though she’s young, and would never have this discussion in public. I do feel sorry for the giant kids who look like second graders but are still in kindergarten, and it does make me question the parents’ judgment and values

I wish people would stop calling children "giants" and assuming they're older than the other kids. My child has a birthday that is shortly before the cutoff and went on time, so is actually the youngest in the class almost every year. He is also the tallest in the class almost every year. He is a skinny beanpole and doesn't need anyone calling him a giant.

He is also very athletic and is one of the fastest mile runners in the grade. I'm sure if you saw him you would assume that he was redshirted, but in reality, he is one of the youngest.

So, tallest and athletic doesn't always equate to oldest. And please don't use the word "giant" around your kids- it would be very hurtful if they slipped and used that word in class to describe another child who just happens to be tall.

Yes, that poster is obviously a jerk. Who calls other kids giants? I wonder if she would get upset if someone called her kid tiny or small or I can think of much worse names...my DD is tall for her age and 2 days past the cut off. As of now, she is always the tallest in the class and roller than most/all boys. What are you teaching your child?

I'm the mean PP and my daughter was one of the youngest in her classes and is also really tall. If your child isn't an almost seven-year-old who's still in kindergarten for no other reason than his parents wanted him to be the biggest, I'm not talking about you.

The problem is that you and/or your child wouldn't necessarily know how old any particular child is. If you saw my very tall child, you might think he is older than he is and think, oh, there's one of those giant kids that should be in an older class. But my kid actually has one of the latest possible birthdays to go on time and so is one of the very youngest. If my child overhears someone referring to him as a giant, I know his feelings will be hurt. And my daughter, who is also tall, whose birthday is not quite as late as her brother's so is in the youngest quarter of the class, would be absolutely mortified if someone called her a giant.

Please, these are children we're talking about here. Please consider their feelings and think about the words you use.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I’m happy that my child went on time even though she’s young, and would never have this discussion in public. I do feel sorry for the giant kids who look like second graders but are still in kindergarten, and it does make me question the parents’ judgment and values

I wish people would stop calling children "giants" and assuming they're older than the other kids. My child has a birthday that is shortly before the cutoff and went on time, so is actually the youngest in the class almost every year. He is also the tallest in the class almost every year. He is a skinny beanpole and doesn't need anyone calling him a giant.

He is also very athletic and is one of the fastest mile runners in the grade. I'm sure if you saw him you would assume that he was redshirted, but in reality, he is one of the youngest.

So, tallest and athletic doesn't always equate to oldest. And please don't use the word "giant" around your kids- it would be very hurtful if they slipped and used that word in class to describe another child who just happens to be tall.

Yes, that poster is obviously a jerk. Who calls other kids giants? I wonder if she would get upset if someone called her kid tiny or small or I can think of much worse names...my DD is tall for her age and 2 days past the cut off. As of now, she is always the tallest in the class and roller than most/all boys. What are you teaching your child?

I'm the mean PP and my daughter was one of the youngest in her classes and is also really tall. If your child isn't an almost seven-year-old who's still in kindergarten for no other reason than his parents wanted him to be the biggest, I'm not talking about you.

The problem is that you and/or your child wouldn't necessarily know how old any particular child is. If you saw my very tall child, you might think he is older than he is and think, oh, there's one of those giant kids that should be in an older class. But my kid actually has one of the latest possible birthdays to go on time and so is one of the very youngest. If my child overhears someone referring to him as a giant, I know his feelings will be hurt. And my daughter, who is also tall, whose birthday is not quite as late as her brother's so is in the youngest quarter of the class, would be absolutely mortified if someone called her a giant.

Please, these are children we're talking about here. Please consider their feelings and think about the words you use.

Are your kids on DCUM? This is an internet message board, not the playground. I would never say how entitled I think redshirting is in public. Also, one can't help but find out children's ages at birthday parties. This is not guesswork.

[Anonymous]

If your kid is 6, they should be in first grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I’m happy that my child went on time even though she’s young, and would never have this discussion in public. I do feel sorry for the giant kids who look like second graders but are still in kindergarten, and it does make me question the parents’ judgment and values

I wish people would stop calling children "giants" and assuming they're older than the other kids. My child has a birthday that is shortly before the cutoff and went on time, so is actually the youngest in the class almost every year. He is also the tallest in the class almost every year. He is a skinny beanpole and doesn't need anyone calling him a giant.

He is also very athletic and is one of the fastest mile runners in the grade. I'm sure if you saw him you would assume that he was redshirted, but in reality, he is one of the youngest.

So, tallest and athletic doesn't always equate to oldest. And please don't use the word "giant" around your kids- it would be very hurtful if they slipped and used that word in class to describe another child who just happens to be tall.

Yes, that poster is obviously a jerk. Who calls other kids giants? I wonder if she would get upset if someone called her kid tiny or small or I can think of much worse names...my DD is tall for her age and 2 days past the cut off. As of now, she is always the tallest in the class and roller than most/all boys. What are you teaching your child?

I'm the mean PP and my daughter was one of the youngest in her classes and is also really tall. If your child isn't an almost seven-year-old who's still in kindergarten for no other reason than his parents wanted him to be the biggest, I'm not talking about you.

I GUARANTEE you that in DCPS at least, there are very few if not zero kids that fit that description. Nobody is holding back their boys just so they can be the biggest.

Not literally, but there are a lot of parents holding their summer, or even spring, boys back with no medical reason.

It’ does not have to be medical. On my case my child has some social issues due to immaturity and sensitivity. She is tall so I have no interest in holding her back so she can be the tallest child in the class (who does that?)

Again, not literally. But redshirting parents don't want their child to be small, or young, or immature, or whatever. Absent some actual delay, it's gamesmanship to give the child some perceived advantage over their peers.

You are the one that sees it as a competition. I am just trying to make my child happy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I’m happy that my child went on time even though she’s young, and would never have this discussion in public. I do feel sorry for the giant kids who look like second graders but are still in kindergarten, and it does make me question the parents’ judgment and values

I wish people would stop calling children "giants" and assuming they're older than the other kids. My child has a birthday that is shortly before the cutoff and went on time, so is actually the youngest in the class almost every year. He is also the tallest in the class almost every year. He is a skinny beanpole and doesn't need anyone calling him a giant.

He is also very athletic and is one of the fastest mile runners in the grade. I'm sure if you saw him you would assume that he was redshirted, but in reality, he is one of the youngest.

So, tallest and athletic doesn't always equate to oldest. And please don't use the word "giant" around your kids- it would be very hurtful if they slipped and used that word in class to describe another child who just happens to be tall.

Yes, that poster is obviously a jerk. Who calls other kids giants? I wonder if she would get upset if someone called her kid tiny or small or I can think of much worse names...my DD is tall for her age and 2 days past the cut off. As of now, she is always the tallest in the class and roller than most/all boys. What are you teaching your child?

I'm the mean PP and my daughter was one of the youngest in her classes and is also really tall. If your child isn't an almost seven-year-old who's still in kindergarten for no other reason than his parents wanted him to be the biggest, I'm not talking about you.

I GUARANTEE you that in DCPS at least, there are very few if not zero kids that fit that description. Nobody is holding back their boys just so they can be the biggest.

Not literally, but there are a lot of parents holding their summer, or even spring, boys back with no medical reason.

It’ does not have to be medical. On my case my child has some social issues due to immaturity and sensitivity. She is tall so I have no interest in holding her back so she can be the tallest child in the class (who does that?)

Again, not literally. But redshirting parents don't want their child to be small, or young, or immature, or whatever. Absent some actual delay, it's gamesmanship to give the child some perceived advantage over their peers.

You are the one that sees it as a competition. I am just trying to make my child happy.

I'm not one of the PPs you're talking to here, but isn't it obvious that most children would be happier if they won at more stuff?

Having a bigger, older kid in the class makes many of the other kids less happy. The expectations on them are higher - they're being compared against (even if they're not trying to compete with) kids who have had up to an extra year (or sometimes up to two years!) to grow bigger and faster and stronger, and those extra months/years of brain development and life experience to be "smarter".

I don't think redshirting should be a choice. I think it should require certificates from preschool teachers saying that they recommend delaying a year, it shouldn't be the parents' choice to make their kid "happy" by changing the playing field.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I’m happy that my child went on time even though she’s young, and would never have this discussion in public. I do feel sorry for the giant kids who look like second graders but are still in kindergarten, and it does make me question the parents’ judgment and values

I wish people would stop calling children "giants" and assuming they're older than the other kids. My child has a birthday that is shortly before the cutoff and went on time, so is actually the youngest in the class almost every year. He is also the tallest in the class almost every year. He is a skinny beanpole and doesn't need anyone calling him a giant.

He is also very athletic and is one of the fastest mile runners in the grade. I'm sure if you saw him you would assume that he was redshirted, but in reality, he is one of the youngest.

So, tallest and athletic doesn't always equate to oldest. And please don't use the word "giant" around your kids- it would be very hurtful if they slipped and used that word in class to describe another child who just happens to be tall.

Yes, that poster is obviously a jerk. Who calls other kids giants? I wonder if she would get upset if someone called her kid tiny or small or I can think of much worse names...my DD is tall for her age and 2 days past the cut off. As of now, she is always the tallest in the class and roller than most/all boys. What are you teaching your child?

I'm the mean PP and my daughter was one of the youngest in her classes and is also really tall. If your child isn't an almost seven-year-old who's still in kindergarten for no other reason than his parents wanted him to be the biggest, I'm not talking about you.

I GUARANTEE you that in DCPS at least, there are very few if not zero kids that fit that description. Nobody is holding back their boys just so they can be the biggest.

Not literally, but there are a lot of parents holding their summer, or even spring, boys back with no medical reason.

It’ does not have to be medical. On my case my child has some social issues due to immaturity and sensitivity. She is tall so I have no interest in holding her back so she can be the tallest child in the class (who does that?)

Again, not literally. But redshirting parents don't want their child to be small, or young, or immature, or whatever. Absent some actual delay, it's gamesmanship to give the child some perceived advantage over their peers.

You are the one that sees it as a competition. I am just trying to make my child happy.

I'm not one of the PPs you're talking to here, but isn't it obvious that most children would be happier if they won at more stuff?

Having a bigger, older kid in the class makes many of the other kids less happy. The expectations on them are higher - they're being compared against (even if they're not trying to compete with) kids who have had up to an extra year (or sometimes up to two years!) to grow bigger and faster and stronger, and those extra months/years of brain development and life experience to be "smarter".

I don't think redshirting should be a choice. I think it should require certificates from preschool teachers saying that they recommend delaying a year, it shouldn't be the parents' choice to make their kid "happy" by changing the playing field.

+1

[Anonymous]

You are the one that sees it as a competition. I am just trying to make my child happy.

This is the most ridiculous argument of all. Screw the rules and everyone else, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I’m happy that my child went on time even though she’s young, and would never have this discussion in public. I do feel sorry for the giant kids who look like second graders but are still in kindergarten, and it does make me question the parents’ judgment and values

I wish people would stop calling children "giants" and assuming they're older than the other kids. My child has a birthday that is shortly before the cutoff and went on time, so is actually the youngest in the class almost every year. He is also the tallest in the class almost every year. He is a skinny beanpole and doesn't need anyone calling him a giant.

He is also very athletic and is one of the fastest mile runners in the grade. I'm sure if you saw him you would assume that he was redshirted, but in reality, he is one of the youngest.

So, tallest and athletic doesn't always equate to oldest. And please don't use the word "giant" around your kids- it would be very hurtful if they slipped and used that word in class to describe another child who just happens to be tall.

Yes, that poster is obviously a jerk. Who calls other kids giants? I wonder if she would get upset if someone called her kid tiny or small or I can think of much worse names...my DD is tall for her age and 2 days past the cut off. As of now, she is always the tallest in the class and roller than most/all boys. What are you teaching your child?

I'm the mean PP and my daughter was one of the youngest in her classes and is also really tall. If your child isn't an almost seven-year-old who's still in kindergarten for no other reason than his parents wanted him to be the biggest, I'm not talking about you.

I GUARANTEE you that in DCPS at least, there are very few if not zero kids that fit that description. Nobody is holding back their boys just so they can be the biggest.

Not literally, but there are a lot of parents holding their summer, or even spring, boys back with no medical reason.

It’ does not have to be medical. On my case my child has some social issues due to immaturity and sensitivity. She is tall so I have no interest in holding her back so she can be the tallest child in the class (who does that?)

Again, not literally. But redshirting parents don't want their child to be small, or young, or immature, or whatever. Absent some actual delay, it's gamesmanship to give the child some perceived advantage over their peers.

You are the one that sees it as a competition. I am just trying to make my child happy.

+1. I redshirted too and it wasn’t about competition but about allowing a child to thrive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your kid is 6, they should be in first grade.

AGAIN, many children are 6 for almost the entire Kindergarten year.

[Anonymous]

I feel so bad for this poor OP who is new to the area, asked a question about the DCPS rules, and got...this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They should have a rule about it. Unless there is a documented reason by a school or doctor, there should be no red shirting.

What’s it to you?

Jerk.

What's it to me? People who red shirt for no specific documented reason put the other, age appropriate kids in that class at a disadvantage throughout schooling.

Yup, my kid is a young K who is still 5 until the end of the summer and a K classmate of his turned 7 three months ago. Unless there's a good reason (and I admit I don't know it), I'm not thrilled with the age spread.

My SIL teaches at a school district in Michigan which has a special class (usually 1 of the 3 or 4 classes) for "young 5s." It's basically like an intermediary Kindergarten, allowing for some parents with younger kids to "add" a year of school. Considering how often this topic comes up on DCUM, seems like something DCPS should consider, although I get how lottery programs make that idea more complicated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I’m happy that my child went on time even though she’s young, and would never have this discussion in public. I do feel sorry for the giant kids who look like second graders but are still in kindergarten, and it does make me question the parents’ judgment and values

I wish people would stop calling children "giants" and assuming they're older than the other kids. My child has a birthday that is shortly before the cutoff and went on time, so is actually the youngest in the class almost every year. He is also the tallest in the class almost every year. He is a skinny beanpole and doesn't need anyone calling him a giant.

He is also very athletic and is one of the fastest mile runners in the grade. I'm sure if you saw him you would assume that he was redshirted, but in reality, he is one of the youngest.

So, tallest and athletic doesn't always equate to oldest. And please don't use the word "giant" around your kids- it would be very hurtful if they slipped and used that word in class to describe another child who just happens to be tall.

Yes, that poster is obviously a jerk. Who calls other kids giants? I wonder if she would get upset if someone called her kid tiny or small or I can think of much worse names...my DD is tall for her age and 2 days past the cut off. As of now, she is always the tallest in the class and roller than most/all boys. What are you teaching your child?

I'm the mean PP and my daughter was one of the youngest in her classes and is also really tall. If your child isn't an almost seven-year-old who's still in kindergarten for no other reason than his parents wanted him to be the biggest, I'm not talking about you.

I GUARANTEE you that in DCPS at least, there are very few if not zero kids that fit that description. Nobody is holding back their boys just so they can be the biggest.

Not literally, but there are a lot of parents holding their summer, or even spring, boys back with no medical reason.

It’ does not have to be medical. On my case my child has some social issues due to immaturity and sensitivity. She is tall so I have no interest in holding her back so she can be the tallest child in the class (who does that?)

Again, not literally. But redshirting parents don't want their child to be small, or young, or immature, or whatever. Absent some actual delay, it's gamesmanship to give the child some perceived advantage over their peers.

You are the one that sees it as a competition. I am just trying to make my child happy.

I'm not one of the PPs you're talking to here, but isn't it obvious that most children would be happier if they won at more stuff?

Having a bigger, older kid in the class makes many of the other kids less happy. The expectations on them are higher - they're being compared against (even if they're not trying to compete with) kids who have had up to an extra year (or sometimes up to two years!) to grow bigger and faster and stronger, and those extra months/years of brain development and life experience to be "smarter".

I don't think redshirting should be a choice. I think it should require certificates from preschool teachers saying that they recommend delaying a year, it shouldn't be the parents' choice to make their kid "happy" by changing the playing field.

But you also see this a competition. For me it isn’t! When I said that i wanted my child to be happy, I did not mean “by winning because she will be faster, stronger, more advanced”. My daughter is really not the athletic type so I doubt one year Will hangs that. She is more comfortable el with younger kids. When she is around older kids she feels left out. The only reason i am redshirting is because she is very sensitive and when she was in a class with (only) older kids, she was very lonely and unhappy. Now, given the opportunity to put her in a class where she will feel happier (because wanted and well liked) why should I not take it? Because she might do some things better than kids that are 1 or 2 months younger than her? No thank you. My DD’s mental well-being, happiness and feeling of acceptance are MUCH more important to me. BTW, I also think she is very smart and would only gain by being the youngest and learn at a faster pace... however I don’t want a genius (or an advanced reader, etc.) I want a happy and well adjusted child that feels like she has friends that want to play with her.
If you see this as I am trying to game the system so my DD will do better than your child, you are VERY wrong

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your kid is 6, they should be in first grade.

AGAIN, many children are 6 for almost the entire Kindergarten year.

My DD turns 6 in October and will be 6 the whole year of K