Who me, brag about my kid? You bet ya!

**Dancing Lotus** · 02-06-2009, 07:46 AM

Some of you may remember this summer I was really struggling with the decision to hold my daughter back in kindergarten. In the end we decided to retain her because it was better to error on the side of caution.

Well I am excited to report that her reading is coming along with flying colors. She now reads bed time stories to me

Some of her favorites are GO Dog GO and Are you my mother?

I just received an evaluation on her and she is well above the average. Scoring 46 when the expected average is only 18 ! Reading has finally clicked for her. So I guess you could look at it either way. Maybe she really wasn't' ready or she might have been just fine moving on the next grade. Either way I can see that she is proud and confident. Her teacher said she tries to do the other kids work for them.

You won't believe how excited I was when she read and entire story to me without any help. She just walks into my room with a fairly long book and says "MOM , I am going to read to you tonight" and she did! I was jumped out of the bed. I think even she thought I was crazy.

Anyways just taking a moment to gloat. I'm not normally the type to brag but my kids deserves it... I think I should surprise her with a trip to the library to get her very own library card.

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 02-06-2009, 07:53 AM

Congradulations! We made the same decision for our daughter who is now in the eight grade. She much happier in school as its not a struggle. She just got excepted into the National Honor Society. If I had it to do over I would hold her back again. She wasn't ready in kindergarden either and we pushed her on and then held her in the 1st grade. No more struggles. The light went on and shes much much happier.
You did a good thing althought I will warn you from now on you'll hear " I should be in the --- grade, but I got held back." But she always says it with a smile and a laugh because she knows how much happier she is.
Laurie in Bradenton

**Momto2Boyz** · 02-06-2009, 08:06 AM

How great! Those have been two of my kids favorite books in the past!~

I swear, I think they expect way too much from kids in kindergarten now, but glad to hear that she is thriving and not struggling! It sounds like giving her an extra year in kindergarten will give her a great educational foundation! Alot of it is about confidence, so with being ahead of the game (and the class), she's probably built up the confidence she needs to thrive!

**TigerGirl1226** · 02-06-2009, 11:40 AM

As a person who was held back in Kindergarten, I actually appreciate your decision. My teacher told my mom that I was socially behind the other kids, I was. My dad told my mom that pre-K was for "dumb kids" so as an only child I had very little social interaction before Kindergarten.

It's so awesome that she is so enthused about reading. I hope it sticks with her.

**Debbie-cat** · 02-06-2009, 11:45 AM

I am glad you made the right decision. You know you did because her self-confidence has improved. This will now last her through her school career. You have every right to gloat! I think it would be a very good thing for her to get her own library card. It will encourage her to continue reading on her own.

**Darlene** · 02-06-2009, 01:08 PM

You should be proud, not only of her but yourself. Giving her that gift of time to grow will find her more confident and struggling less and that will carry through her whole life.

**joyofsix** · 02-06-2009, 01:15 PM

If a mama can't brag on her kids who can? It's great. I love when it clicks for them. You've made it possible for her to feel good at something and that is a gift.

**Cricket1** · 02-06-2009, 01:46 PM

Woo Hooo!!! I'm so glad that it's working out for her! What a great decision you made for your little girl! You're an awesome mama!

**tbs727** · 02-06-2009, 01:51 PM

That is wonderful news, Ann! It sounds like she is building a foundation for a very successful school career. A trip to the library sounds like a wonderful reward.

**Maine Girl** · 02-06-2009, 03:13 PM

That is wonderful Ann! How exciting getting her own library card.

**jamie79** · 02-06-2009, 03:40 PM

Its better to hold them back earlier then later. So many parents do not get that. Glad you did what was best for her

**dcompton** · 02-06-2009, 08:46 PM

One of the most exciting things that happened to me as a child back in the dark ages was getting my own library card. My mom took me and my sister to the bookmobile that came to a nearby shopping center every Saturday, and I would check out as many books as they allowed.

It's never too early to start feeling like the library is "your" library. Get her that card! It will foster a love of reading.