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Going to Kindergarten in September:  How do you know if the timing is right?

Posted March 11, 2012

Some parents face the dilemma of whether to send their now-4 year old child to kindergarten in the fall or opt for another year or preschool, to be on the safe side.  What is the safe side?

The "safe side" recommends that to deal well with kindergarten -and with the ensuing 12-year educational career that follows -  your child should have already turned five before the school year starts.  (Most districts require them to be turning five by the end of the year. Calgary will admit a child into kindergarten who only turned 4 years in Marchof the same year!) 

Twelve years is a very long time to spend as one of the youngest in the class.  Some kids will be just fine but for those that aren't, there is really no other opportunity to "hold them back" for a year in case you become aware that being the youngest is no picnic.  Schools and parents and kids are all very reluctant to have a child repeat a year once they are in the system.  Now is the only time you have that opportunity.

"But my child is bright, gets along with others and loves learning!  Besides, all my friend's kids are going.  I would feel left behind."  I certainly understand these feelings.  The first day of kindergarten was a very exciting day for me as a five year old (born in June) and for my kids (April and mid September). But these days there are more options for parents to use one more year of preschool as an enjoyable, educational, play-based 'waiting place' which will allow your child to experience the joy of being the 'big frog in the little pool' instead of the 'little frog in the big pool."

Personally, I believe your child will benefit greatly by waiting until the 5th birthday is nigh before entering Kindergarten. But to help you decide for yourself, here is a link  to a collection of "expert" opinions on both sides of this question.

http://bit.ly/wB9SMr

http://bit.ly/w1Pdxh

In the meantime, check daily on http://www.facebook.com/raymondparentingnews for my sometimes radical and sometimes common sensical parenting tips, ideas and questions for you.

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Filed under: New Research

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When Naps Are Still a Challenge

Posted January 12, 2012

Even after successful night sleep training, naps can remain problematic for a baby or toddler and, hence, - for parents.  If only we could tell these young kids that naps play a vital role in providing them with energy and curiosity to bring to their playtimes, helping them make it gracefully to the end of the day and in helping them spend an easier night sleeping.  The better the naps, the better the nights.

Toddlers around age 2.5 years are notorious for trying to convince the parent that they do not need naps any more.  For several days they may play or protest throughout the entire nap, convincing themselves and parents that naps are a bad idea.  Parents should not be swayed.  The best practice is to continue to put your child down  by 12:30 PM and plan for a break of two hours.  You are not in charge of whether your child sleeps or not, only that you are following practices of routine and regularity (same every day). Most likely your toddler will return to accepting the nap in just a few days.  Continuing with this practice even after the 3rd birthday provides an opportunity for sleep or, if by then no sleep is needed, a chance for quiet play and a routine that still includes a good break for you.

A new study on the effects of toddlers not napping has just been released from the University of Colorado.  Take a look.

 

Next Sleep from Now On seminar: Tuesday, February 7, 2012

 

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Filed under: News from Kitty, New Research, Sleep

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