Agreed. This isn't the time to debate the benefits and cultural mores of extended nursing. The OP was very specific. And I also agree that the function of kindergarten has changed. My cousin's daughter was expected to know how to read and write her own name, address, and several other things before entering kindergarten. Many districts are opting for full day kindergarten, teaching basic math skills, and implementing pretty advanced curriculum. When I was in kindergarten (I'm 28) it was about not running with scissors, waiting in line, and practicing tracing letters. Not only have the academics changed, but, in the course of that change, the amount of time spent on socio/emotional development has been shortened. If she's not at the same level of emotional development and social skills as other 4 - 5 year olds, then it may be appropriate to hold her back, send her to preschool, and work on those skills for a year. I had a Nov. birthday, and was one of the older people in my class. I can't remember that age -- either way -- was a big deal, except maybe when we were starting to drive. By high school, though, some kids will have been held back, so even if you start her late she won't be the oldest by much out of her original class, and there will likely be older kids who are repeating a grade. I really wouldn't let being the oldest/youngest be a determining factor. I also wouldn't let her start and then pull her out. In the long run, that's going to be more detrimental than helpful. It seems like delaying kindergarten is fairly common and accepted for boys. I'm wondering if some of the reaction is a little different because this is a girl?

Very imaginative, people. Crunchpa, leave it to you to come up with a zebra! Ron, I've said it before, but I love your lath house. Kate, no wonder you came up with this theme. That's the stripiest picture! I'm a little dizzy from all these stripes, but let me see what I can find...... Okay, I see stripes on the face of this sunflower, don't you? Stripes, sort of. Sky stripes. Caterpillar stripes. Shadow stripes.

Early morning fog near Murphy, N.C. An old one I call the Foggy House. We were coming down the hill from our cabin. Hubby stuck our old Mavica out the car window and snapped. I wish we'd had a better camera but I think that Mavica was our first digital camera.

Here's one from my dad's collection: a wedding from the 1940s. The woman in black is quite a contrast to Carol's Red Hatters. I'm sitting here (at work) in my jeans, wondering if she's younger than I. Hard to tell. I'd also like to know what the last man on the right is staring at. LOL