The truth of the matter is that in Montgomery County (especially the expensive zip codes), boys are being held back (and starting a year later) in record amounts. Some girls are held back, but not nearly in the same percentage as boys. Most of the this is based on a book suggesting that the older boys will have more success in school and later in life. Even the author of the book has now suggested that the whole process is ridiculous and does not offer the advantages that he once promoted. This is particularly true when so many boys are being held back that they are really not older than their classmates (they are all a year behind).

I'd go with your gut. You know your child. There is very little evidence that holding your child back will do any harm, and there is very little evidence that putting them in on time will do any harm. It just doesn't really matter that much for most kids.

Anonymous wrote:My kids are born in June, and if I catch wind of the parents of July and August babies holding their kids back, then I'm going to encourage the June parents to hold there's back as well...and so on and so forth....so where does it end?

Back to reality - All I know is that when I was growing up in MCPS in the 80s, we used to laugh behind the backs of older kids that were not in an age-appropriate grade. My kid, June or not, will be starting at 5. PERIOD.

My mother actually started me a year late for kindergarten because I was close to the cut off and frankly I felt no ill effects and no one made fun of me. Barely anyone knew my birth date anyway. I do think kids who were held back a grade once they started school sometimes were made fun of.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love how people talk about the maturity of 5yo's it absolutely makes me laugh....Let me clue you in all kids at 5yo are freakin immature!!!! get over it...sure some kids are more shy, outgoing etc but that is why they are going to K to be around other kids and socialize. Parents need to get a grip and stop using maturity as an excuse to hold kids back that are intellectually ready, its just making it more difficult for teachers that now have to teach to a much larger age window!!! You will be the same parents that will be telling everyone how smart your kid is and how they are doing blah blah 2 grades above level!

I am the parent and I get to decide if I feel my child is ready or not ready to start K. She started out behind the curve after two years in a foreign orphanage and I believe another year will be beneficial to her before starting K. And No, I will not be the parent telling everyone how smart my kid is etc etc. There are real reasons parents hold kids back. Its an individual decision and frankly none of your business.

If you are the original poster than this was your statement "who will turn 5 in Aug to K this year or hold her back so she is not the absolute youngest"...so basically you alluded to the fact you just didn't want her to be the youngest. Sure you have a right and it is an individual decision assuming you have a valid reason. I find it interesting how few kids are held back for a truely developmental / intellectual reason...where does the slipperly slope stop...now its July / August birthdays next its May / June birthdays why don't we just let every parent decide when they want to send there kids to school and we can try and have our teachers handle kids that are 18 months old then some of the other kids..brilliant!

Nope I not the original poster.