Deciding whether to keep your child in kindergarten for another year, also known as repeating kindergarten, is not always an easy decision. There are many pros and cons to consider, and ultimately, the decision should be based on what is best for your child. Here are 12 pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to repeat kindergarten.
Pros of Repeating Kindergarten
- Your child will have more time to develop and master the basic skills they need for primary school, such as reading, writing, and math.
- Your child will have the opportunity to build their confidence and self-esteem, and to feel more prepared and capable for primary school.
- Your child will have the chance to catch up to their peers academically and to be on a more equal footing with them when they enter primary school.
- Your child will have the opportunity to mature and develop emotionally, socially, and physically, and to be better prepared for the demands of primary school.
- Your child will be able to benefit from the structure, routine, and support of the kindergarten environment for another year, which can help them to thrive and succeed.
- Your child will have the opportunity to develop positive relationships with their teacher and classmates, which can provide them with a strong foundation for their primary school experience.
- Your child will be able to continue to learn and grow in a developmentally appropriate environment, which can help them to reach their full potential.
- Your child will be able to benefit from any specialised services or support they may need, such as speech therapy or special education, for another year.
- Your child will have the chance to build their independence and self-management skills, which can help them to be more successful in primary school.
- Your child will be able to enjoy the fun and engaging activities and experiences of kindergarten for another year, which can foster their love of learning and curiosity.
- Your child will have the opportunity to build their problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative thinking skills, which are important for primary school and beyond.
- Your child will have the chance to learn and practice important social and emotional skills, such as empathy, communication, and conflict resolution, which can help them to be successful in primary school.
Disadvantages of Repeating Kindergarten
- Your child may feel frustrated, embarrassed, or discouraged if they are the only one in their class who is repeating kindergarten.
- Your child may become bored or unchallenged if they are in the same class with the same teacher and classmates for another year.
- Your child may be older than their classmates when they enter primary school, which can affect their social and academic experiences.
- Your child may have to pay for another year of tuition if they are in a private school, which can be a financial burden.
- Your child may feel like they are not as smart or as capable as their peers, which can affect their self-esteem and confidence.
- Your child may not have the opportunity to move on to primary school with their peers, which can affect their social connections and support network.
- Your child may miss out on the opportunities and challenges of primary school, which can limit their learning and growth.
- Your child may not be ready for the academic and social demands of primary school, despite repeating kindergarten.
- Your child may feel like they are being held back or held down, which can affect their motivation and engagement.
- Your child may not be able to fully develop their identity and sense of self and may feel like they are stuck in kindergarten.
- Your child may not be able to fully explore and discover their interests, passions, and talents, which may be limited in kindergarten.
- Your child may not be able to fully enjoy the process of learning and growing, which may be more fulfilling and satisfying in primary school.
Ultimately, the decision to repeat kindergarten should be based on what is best for your child. It's important to consider your child's individual needs, abilities, and preferences, as well as the potential advantages and disadvantages of repeating kindergarten.
It's also a good idea to talk with your child's teacher, paediatrician, and other trusted advisors before making a decision to repeat kindergarten. They can provide you with valuable insights and guidance.
Finally, talk to your child and ask them how they feel about the possibility of repeating kindergarten. And reassure them that repeating one level will not set them back or make them inferior to others but is just another opportunity for them to grow and be equipped with all the skills they need to enter big school later on.