This morning, the trio had an 8am appointment to see the pediatrician for annual check ups. Everyone was brave for their finger sticks...not a single tear in the bunch. The exam room may never be the same, as 3 wired 3-year-olds in a room smaller than a phone booth for 45 minutes is just asking for trouble.
Everyone is healthy. Overall, we received great reports. The biggest headline was our place on the growth charts. Daddy is average height at 6 feet even. I am petite at 5'2ish and was a really late bloomer. In elementary school I was nicknamed "shortcake" and "little bit." At the end of the 6th grade, I weighed 49 lbs and was exactly 4 feet tall. Add to the equation that the kiddos started out as micro-preemies (only R was over 3 lbs) and you can understand that we are always curious to see how their size is progressing.
According the growth charts, K is 4th percentile for height and 18th percentile for weight. R is in the 8th percentile for height and 5th for weight. P is in the 3rd percentile for weight and the 4th percentile for height. This is the first time P has ever even been on the chart...so we are making some progress!
This got me to thinking about the big decisions we have to make this Fall regarding where to send the children to school and when to start. There is already much discussion and prayer. How can they be old enough for this to be on the table? Is it possible?
The children are bright, (not that any mother would ever attest otherwise) but with late May birthdays, the possibility of redshirting them is very real. Their size and social maturity will also be other considerations. I want to make sure they are ALL ready, as the thought of advancing only one or two and separating them into different grades is unpleasant.
I graduated from high school at 17, so the thought of sending them on to be among the youngest in their class does not seem to be a big deal to me. I was always the smallest and the youngest. I do wonder how different the experience would have been as a male.
Honestly, the most influential factor in my decision lately has been the thought of getting to have them under our roof for another year...and putting off what will invariably be a HUGE and sudden empty nest syndrome. Yep, that pretty much seals the deal (for today's deliberations anyway). Class of 2023 sounds great to me!
12 comments:
I am personally of the opinion, that if you have any doubt, wait. It won't hurt them at all to be the older ones in the class. I chose to wait a year to send my twins because my son wasn't ready. My daughter was ready, but I knew it wouldn't hurt her to wait a year, and I didn't want them separated. I know from reading your blog, that you will be prayerful about it, and God will lead you.
I too think it can't hurt to wait, but MAY hurt to send them on. My hubby was also the youngest and smallest in his class and it forever shaped him - in a negative way.
I am planning on keeping my twins (July) and my fourth child (an Irish triplet :))who was born in August back a year.
I'm sure you will know when the time comes and you can always change the decision right up to the last minute.
Jen,
This is a really random comment but I believe that I once read that you had your blog put into a book. I am friends with Matt & Ginny Mooney (Eliot's mom & dad) and some friends and I were wanting to put their blog into a book for them for Eliot's 1st birthday. If you could guide me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated. My email address is jaymedwalker@yahoo.com
Thanks
Jayme
I was the youngest and smallest in my class and also graduated at 17. I never thought it that big of a deal. But, my friends with boys stand firm to wait a year. I guess boys mature slower than girls????
Anyway, not that you should follow advice, as I know you seek the Lord in all things. I would just say that if there is any hesitation in your decision ... then wait.
I remember being in the same boat! It's a rocky boat ride, with lots of dips and turns! My oldest has a July 31st bday and middle has a August 31st bday. We waffled back and forth...to send or not to send!! But we finally decided to hold them both back. They are both very bright, reading early and fast learners. We have not regretted holding back our oldest and we are about to enter the school year with our middle, but I think it will be a good decision, too. God is always good to lead us and I know he'll give you your answer when He sees fit! In the meantime if you are like me, enjoy the HOURS of prayer that you will experience in making your decision!
With may birthdays, i think that holding them back isn't a good idea. While it's true they will be on the younger side, i remember in school only the kids with august, sometimes july birthdays being "older" than everyone else. I mean...that's 19 at high school graduation!!
I went to school a year early because of my birthday and while I excelled academically (the reason I started so young), I wish I'd gone at the right age because everyone else was always ahead with everything else - breasts, periods, driving lessons, etc...
I like Jenna's advice - it won't harm them to keep them back and it's better if they all go to school together.
Ever thought about homeschooling???
It isn't for everyone but this would help solve the situation somewhat. You could give Kindergarten a try and if you don't like it then you know it isn't for you.
Delurking here - we live in the same town and I also have one that will be starting school this fall - and his 3rd bday isn't until late July. But we've found a wonderful place I'd be willing to tell you about since you are looking for a possibility. April
mccreless6725@comcast.net
I cannot speak from experience, since I have not crossed this bridge yet, but I think that watching them over the next year will tell you a lot. You will know a lot more about their personalities, skills, strengths, weaknesses as they develop over this next year. Meanwhile, start researching schools in your area as that can be a time consuming project and there are many things to consider. One thing that's weighing on my mind is the diminishing number of 1/2 day kindergarten programs and whether my son will be ready for a whole day program. And maybe even take them to visit the school at the top of your list when time gets closer. Good luck!
It continues to amaze when when I head over to "Lots of Scotts" only to find that you have blogged about something that is EXACTLY what we have been doing or thinking about. We are debating the school thing right now too. My kids are small (not sure where on the growth chart as we have not had our 3 year check ups yet)and I do not know if I want them to go to school right after they turn 5. My husband had to repeat Kindergarten when he was little so I fear that if I send them early two will be ready and one will not. We are leaning towards the class of 2023 too! I like the idea of having them under our roof "one more year"! This will be exactly 30 years after I graduated from High School! Thanks for this post. It is always nice to know that I am not alone.
I want to put in a plug for homeschooling! You are already doing it right now, you could just continue and there wouldn't have to be a decision. Everyone could do things when they are developmentally ready and it is just so much fun!
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