Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about...

• What "kindergarten readiness" actually means (and what it doesn't).
• Dr. Upshur and Dr. Bren share their personal experiences - with one choosing to send her child to kindergarten and the other deciding to hold her son back - and why.
• The pros and cons of redshirting, and whether being one of the youngest in the class really leads to long-term struggles.
• Why social-emotional readiness may matter less than you think.
• How family logistics, finances, community norms, local school culture, and sibling dynamics can influence your decision.
• What research says about long-term academic and life outcomes.
• How to take the pressure off yourself so you can make a thoughtful, "good enough" choice.

If you're going back and forth about whether to send your child to kindergarten or wait another year, wondering if they're too sensitive or overwhelmed to start, or worried about making the "wrong" decision, this episode will help you zoom out, gather the right information, and move forward with more clarity and confidence.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

👉 Want extra support in your parenting journey? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and coaching to give parents the tools to feel more grounded and confident as they navigate parenthood and learn how to most effectively support their child. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family.

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping kids cope with stress and become self-driven with Dr. William Stixrud

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping your child success in preschool with Meredith Gary

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping your toddler learn to share

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!