Nadine Ensor was certain she would put off enrolling her daughter, who was born in June, into school.
“Given her strong command of language and proficiency in basic skills such as counting and reciting the alphabet, I wasn’t at all doubtful about her academic readiness when she became initially eligible,” explains Nadine, who is 36 years old and from Brisbane/Meanjin.
For me, [the decision to postpone] was certainly driven more by the emotional aspect.
The starting age for schooling differs throughout Australia and among public, Catholic, and independent educational institutions.
Generally, though, children who are born early in the year have the option to start school in the year they reach five years old or when they turn six.
If Nadine’s daughter began schooling at her earliest opportunity, she would have been around four and a half years old, making her one of the youngest students in her class.
“Nadine expresses concerns about both the social implications and also feeling tired,” she adds.
If she started school at four and a half, she’d likely be completely exhausted.
A majority of parents are postponing plans when they can choose to do so.
Research conducted by Macquarie University has revealed that among Australian parents with the option to decide when they enroll their kids for schooling, 66 percent chose to do so.
scheduled to begin at a later time
.
The research involved 226 mothers and fathers.
Penny van Bergen, an associate professor of educational psychology at the institution, noted that one of the standout discoveries was how academic worries generally did not factor into parents’ choices.
“Many international studies suggest that academic competition may be the reason parents decide to retain their children, yet it doesn’t seem like Australian parents are making such decisions due to competitive pressures,” according to Dr Van Bergen.
Social and emotional readiness
As Dr Van Bergen points out, numerous parents share Nadine’s worries regarding their kids’ social, emotional, and behavioral preparedness for school.
Parents observed whether a child could form friendships or remain seated, viewing these signs as indicators that their children might not be prepared or wouldn’t have fun if they were still developing such abilities.
Rebecca English, a senior educator from the Queensland University of Technology, notes that parents might worry about their child requiring naps or quiet time, along with other aspects like instances of toilet mishaps.
Family time and milestones
An additional reason for Nadine postponing her daughter’s education was the dynamics within the family.
She mentions that having a newborn that year meant she wasn’t ready for the full responsibility of school along with caring for an infant.
She likewise wished for more quality time with her child, a sentiment echoed by several participants in the Macquarie University research project.
Dr Van Bergen suggests that some people believe “since they are so small, let them savor their childhood because there will be ample time for schooling later.”
Their acknowledgment of being fortunate enough to have that option was coupled with their desire for an additional ‘gift of time.’
Parents were likewise contemplating future landmarks, including the times when their kids would be old enough to drive and consume alcohol.
“For instance, we don’t want them to end up being the final ones to obtain their driver’s license,” says Dr Van Bergen.
Financial pressures
Dr Van Bergen mentions that due to the higher costs of early childhood education and childcare compared to public schooling, some parents feel compelled to enroll their children “on time.”
Job requirements were also a factor.
Gender
Dr Van Bergen points out that boys are more prone to being retained, owing to the belief that they lack social and emotional preparedness.
The parents she surveyed were nearly four times more likely to say they planned to begin schooling for their sons later than for their daughters.
Dr Van Bergen explains that “There’s an idea circulating which suggests boys are less mature or developmentally behind compared to girls, and this notion influences how parents make decisions.”
She notes that although there are overall school-readiness tendencies at a collective level that favor girls, when looking at individuals, there’s a “significant crossover” between boys and girls, indicating that readiness should be assessed on a per-case basis.
Physical size
Mothers and fathers expressed worries regarding their children’s physical stature, typically showing more concern with boys compared to girls.
Dr Van Bergen mentions this specifically in relation to bullying and “athletic ability.”
Feeling unsure?
According to the survey conducted by Macquarie University, 5% of the parents questioned were still uncertain regarding the appropriate time to enroll their child in school.
Doctor English suggests that it might be challenging for parents to understand what to anticipate from today’s schooling, as many changes have occurred since they were students themselves.
“Have a conversation with the school. Discuss it with your classmates too. Additionally, if you’re working with a psychologist, an occupational therapist, or a speech therapist, make sure to consult with them,” she advises.
Should you be part of the NDIS, discuss with your service providers.
She suggests that it could also be beneficial to inquire from family members and friends who have older kids regarding their experiences, along with seeking insights from coaches involved in your child’s extracurricular pursuits like swimming.
Doctor Van Bergen suggests that parents trust their intuition.
She notes that schoolteachers perform an incredible role in backing children and shifting them to a new educational setting, yet it remains a significant change.
It’s crucial to rely on your instincts.
She suggests that parents should not be “pessimistic” when making this choice.
If there are initial educational disparities between younger and older children, research indicates that these gaps tend to close over time.
Nadine states that she “absolutely” made the correct choice by postponing her daughter’s education.
It feels like there’s immense pressure during prep with all the various commitments… it’s quite intense.
This information is provided generally only. For personalized guidance, consult a qualified professional.
