We had DD's first preschool conference this week, and although the teachers said they have no concerns because she's where she should be for her age, they did mention more than once that she's clearly a "young three". They also mentioned that she will have the option to repeat 3K if we choose to do so. They said they mention it to all parents of kids with summer birthdays, because apparently once they hit 4K it's virtually impossible to hold them back.

Although I've always known we'll have to think about this, the conference made it feel real. DD is an early summer birthday, so I always assumed we'd send her at 5, but now I'm not so sure. My mind has been spinning lately anyway, because I'm concerned and frustrated with how rigorous and academic kindergarten has become. I worry a lot about DD entering as one of the youngest, and then struggling. I don't want her to feel frustrated and like a failure at a young age, and I do worry about that happening.

DD has always hit her physical milestones first, and the skills that will help her best at school (such as her verbal ability), take her longer. I think that's one of the reasons I do worry about her more.

I'm looking for your personal experiences with your own kids. Those who have kids on the younger end of their class, how are they doing? Do you wish you would have held them? Pros/cons?