Our six year old son will be in the first grade this year. Previous school experiences have been disastrous. He has difficulties with his A-B-Cs, colors, learning his home address, and sometimes going to school was a battle of the wills. Physically, he is clumsy and we have to use a beach ball to play catch. His pediatrician says he is “slightly” delayed but his previous teachers say they don’t see anything wrong with him and that he will catch up when he is ready. Is there anything we should do?

Hillary

We recently attended open house at our children’s school which emphasizes fine arts. There are reproductions of famous artwork in the classroom and throughout the school. They discuss works of art, listen to a variety of music, and read literature I didn’t read until high school. Isn’t this rushing our kids?

Question: My husband and I are having a disagreement. Steve wants our six year old son to spend another year in Kindergarten and delay starting first grade for a year. He says this will give our son an advantage when he is eligible for middle school and high school sports. I disagree and believe our son is ready to begin first grade now. What are the pros and cons from your point of view?