My wife and I are talking about enrolling our oldest son in kindergarten so I’ve got some time to figure things out. The way the district works the conversation naturally shifted into the best schools and where he will attend middle and high school. It all feels pretty early, but it got me thinking and I am intimidated about what it’s going to be like for him and how to best support him.
First
The main thing we are considering right now is “red shirting” or holding him back a year before he starts. Based on research it shows boys benefit from being a little more developed before starting school. Has anyone done this or have insights on it?
Second
I hated school. By high school I thought it was all pointless. I felt like it wasn’t for me and like I was stupid, so shut down and truly barely graduated. I got into the trades right away and did pretty well for myself. I went back to school and finished my degree and was much more successful once I felt like it applied to something real and was helping me further my career.
I want my son to have a better experience than I did. I’m wondering if anyone has any advice on what’s worked or on handling your son who started falling behind.
My kid may do well and none of this worrying may matter, but I think I’d feel like a hypocrite if I drew a hard line on how important an education is. I believe getting a good education is beneficial and can open doors that were not available to me. My hope is I can put it to him in such a way that he agrees.