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Childbirth

Should I worry?

13 replies

Shasha123 · 25/11/2014 21:55

I am 4-5 weeks pregnant and if everything goes (I previously had miscarriage when I was 5-6 weeks pregnant) well I am going to have a baby in around 9th July 2015. However, after hearing from lots of people and going through this article //www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-23435439 which says -"children born in June, July and August are statistically likely to perform less well than their older classmates". Should I be worried about my baby? I am thinking each human being are unique and also staying positive but somehow can't stop worrying about my future baby. Any advice please?

OP posts:
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Pico2 · 25/11/2014 22:25

I'd ask for this to be moved to Education.

While there is a valid statistical finding for large groups of children, you are right that each child is unique and if you think about people you know, you will be able to think of successful summerborns. I certainly know a few.

My DD was due at the end of August, but slipped over into September. At the time I was relieved, but actually knowing her now as an individual, she would have been fine to start school a year earlier and might have benefited from it in many ways.

If you intend to use childcare, you will save thousands of pounds by having a summerborn.

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SockQueen · 25/11/2014 22:54

It's a population-level effect, so if you look at loads of people there is a detectable difference, but on an individual level it may well not be noticeable. They may seem very young to be starting school when they have only just turned 4, and some places will allow you to defer entry for summer-born babies (this is assuming you're in the English/Welsh school system, not Scottish as they do age cut-offs diffrently) but it should usually even itself out.

I have a June birthday and have not knowingly suffered educationally at any point.

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MrsPatrickDempsey · 25/11/2014 23:02

By key stage 2 they all level out and find their natural level. I have a winter born daughter who is at a super selective grammar. My July born son is 4 yrs younger but at the same academic level at this stage as his sister. But he is a completely different character and is not suited to a grammar school environment
so I guess I am saying they are all individuals. Oh and don't worry - prof Robert Winston shares his birthdate with my son!!

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eveylikesv · 25/11/2014 23:05

I have quite a few family members and friends born during these months. Don't find them any thicker or less able that those born in other months. It's just a stat. Give me any date and l can prove that blond people at better in months than brunette and blue eyed make great athletes.
Good luck with your pregnancy, hope all goes well.

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wheretoyougonow · 25/11/2014 23:07

Firstly congratulations Thanks secondly stop worrying! Concentrate on keeping yourself well and try and enjoy this time.

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magpiegin · 26/11/2014 09:45

My daughter was born on 31st August this year so will be the baby of the class. There's nothing we can do about when she was born, we can just help her do her best at school.

My husband and I are July and August born, we have 4 degrees between us and good jobs. Someone has to be the youngest!

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NickyEds · 26/11/2014 11:18

Congrats! Your baby will be fine. My nephew was born on the 28th August so was the very youngest in his class. It made a tiny difference in that he looked physically quite little compared to some of the September children but really after a year or so you would never have known and now he's 15 (and massive!) it makes no difference whatsoever, except that he's never had a rainy birthday!

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dorasee · 26/11/2014 11:21

The two smartest whips in my DC1's class were August babies, both the youngest. July babies will be the oldest in the class, I believe. Can't remember.
Anyway, don't worry! There is sooo much stuff in between to worry about and if you're going to worry about this now, you'll be an anxiety-riddled wreck by the time your little one is in primary school. That'll be no fun for anyone. Relax and enjoy!! It's an awesome journey.

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makeitabetterplace · 26/11/2014 16:55

Being born in summer does usually make a difference when a child is at school - particularly for the first year. After that it levels off and you wouldn't know who was a summer baby. Honestly, if you're going to start worrying about that now brace yourself for a whole load more worrying to come! Your baby will be just fine and how lovely to have a summer birthday party so all those party snacks can be eaten outside and not ground into your carpets (one less thing to worry about!)

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Marecrow · 26/11/2014 17:31

I have heard this a lot, but I would just like to state that I know some VERY successful people born in the summer... Both teachers and a doctor! THe boy who was top of my class in primary was an August baby. It really does depend on the individual and good teaching coupled with supportive parenting is a big factor I reckon ;)

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Peaceloveandbiscuits · 27/11/2014 15:51

Being the youngest often encourages children to be more independent in order to keep up with siblings or classmates.

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redexpat · 28/11/2014 12:17

I thought that by law they had to start school at the latest the term after their 5th birthday? Or ahs that changed? So in theory you could have the eldest child in the class.

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bakingtins · 28/11/2014 12:29

red you're right they don't have to start until after they are 5, but a July/August birthday would go straight into Y1 if they chose to do that, so they'd still be youngest in the year.
op I think you are overthinking this massively! My ds2 has just started school at just turned 4 and is loving it. If they were not ready you can defer entry or do a staggered start. There are so many challenges to overcome before they get to school, worry about one thing at a time! Best of luck with the pregnancy.

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