Is it right to send my child back to pre-school when he didn't handle kindergarten well?

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yeff3428 asks:

My late June born five year old son entered kindergarten this fall in our summer- fall home in Northern Michigan.We then go to Key West from November until May where he attended a pre-k 4 program last year.
From the time he began kindergarten here this November he has been coming home crying and began wetting again after nearly a year of perfect nights. We have decided to send him back to the pre-k 4 he so enjoyed last year.His teachers have told us he lacks the finer motor skills needed for many of the tasks in class.
He is a small and only child and I pray we are doing what is right for him?

In Topics: Kindergarten readiness, Preschool

> 60 days ago

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Expert

wayne yankus

Mar 11, 2008

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What the Expert Says:

It is always a tough call when a June child enters kindergarten to know where they will be in development six months after entry. By the start of kindergarten children should be able to dress, have the hand skills to write their name however crudely, separate from family, integrate into the group, and cooperate with teachers. Many boys lack some skills and a transitional year of physical, emotional, and social maturity is beneficial.

Doing "the right thing" requires a parent to assess their child's progress periodically and be sure he is a "good fit" for school. As Dr. Spock said once no one knows your child better than you. If it isn't working, talk to your pediatrician who may have some suggestions for evaluation.

It sounds like you did the right thing for him. Good luck.

Wayne Yankus, MD, FAAP
expert panelist: pediatrics

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