Moms Talk: Going to Kindergarten

My four-year-old son this week let me know that he is “full of good ideas.” He let me know this after he suggested that we make apple-carrot juice in our juice maker one morning before school. I was hesitant at first as we had to leave in less than an hour, but decided it would be a good idea and ultimately it was.

However, he added after he let me know that he’s a good-idea guy, “I’m also full of tricks.” I couldn't agree more.

And this is one reason why he’s not going to kindergarten next year. With his August birthday, he is currently one of the younger kids in his class. While most of his peers are already five, he’s still four. And his teachers repeatedly point out that he’s small. He’s got two short parents – what can you do?

But that’s not necessarily a reason to “hold a kid back.” His sister, now six, started kindergarten when she was four and turned five a couple of weeks into her kindergarten year. She loves school and excels there. However, life - or maybe it’s society - seems to be easier for an adaptable, smart, sweet and cute little girl than it is for a routine-oriented, smart, sweet trickster little boy.

Barely a week goes by where I don’t hear about some sort of trouble he’s gotten into at school. And these reports are from the same teacher who couldn't say enough nice things about his sister.

He has a hard time sitting still and likes to make people laugh, which can have multiple outcomes. He’s also a follower, which is not a bad thing but can be if you have a hard time choosing the right leader.

And so, after much deliberation, it’s another year of pre-k for him. Selfishly, I’m a little sad. I was so looking forward to having two kids on the same schedule, but I do realize it’s a lifetime not just a year. But selfishly, I'm also a little glad. I enjoy our one-on-one time together in the morning before I take him to school and after his sister gets on the bus.

Now there will be plenty of time for more juice-making next year. Ask any parent - sometimes the days are long, but the years fly by.