Hi IM's I'm after some advice on when to start my daughter at school. She was born April 2010 so I could either choose to send her in 2015 and she would be one of the youngest in her year or 2016 where she would be one of the oldest. I know she is emotionally, socially and academically ready for school. My husband had planned to change careers soon as the defence life doesn't allow us to stay in one place for long. However he has recently taken a 3 year position that will set us up financially so wants to see it out. So that leaves me with many decisions. Do I stay living with hubby for the 3 years and have my daughter start school where we currently live and move her at the end of year 2 to our 'forever' town. Do I hold her back a year then move to our 'forever' town ready for her to begin in 2016 and live away from hubby for just 1 year? Or do I move in time for her to begin in 2015 and live away from hubby for two years? I'm nervous about making her change schools so early on. I'm nervous about living apart from hubby for so long. But I am also nervous about holding her back a year when she is very mature for her age and relates better with older children. What would you choose?
5 Replies
Im facing the same thing with my DD whose was born April 2011. I think I will start her in 2017 and have her be older. As I have one who started being the youngest and find that he is challenged quite a bit with friendships. I however dont have to move so I guess your reasons for either may very well be different.
Two of my girls were born at the end of June (2003 & 2005) . They have always been the youngest in class. Both doing very well. I wouldn't hold her back. They are in their 4th school now and in our forever town. Don't stress, the kids are resilient and I think begin away from her dad would be very hard. My kids and I moved 2 weeks before my husband into our current home and I was surprised at how difficult it was for the kids. BTW we live in QLD and the cut off is the end of June.
Check with the school you want as some don't allow the child to do prep if you hold them off. We have friends who held their late June born son (who had some speech issues) off only to find out mid term 1 that he'd have to go straight to grade 1 the year after. They enrolled him in prep right away and his progress is amazing! Some schools will bend, some won't.
I personally wouldn't hold her back, as others have said, children are adaptable.
Start her where you are and move with your hubby later. Family together is important.
April born isn't really the youngest either, I have a daughter due to start 2015 who makes it in to that year by a week (born june 23). Because of the ruling that I'd have to send her to grade 1 if I hold her back then she is starting.
I have reposted this onto the facebook site too and I hope it helps x
https://www.facebook.com/Theimperfectmum/posts/643750419024925?stream_re...
Most kids are more resilient than we give them credit for, I think missing the time with Dad would be more detrimental than changing schools, they often change friends and friendship groups until year 4 or 5... There are thousands of kids who travel with parents that change jobs or more for family reasons... I'm sure she will be fine :)