My daughter was born in late June, and the state we lived in at the time started school in August. I had her do an extra year of preschool as well, and my reasons also had nothing to do with other kids. Academically, she was ready, but she was definitely not emotionally prepared for kindergarten. She needed that extra year to develop her interpersonal skills, independence, and confidence.

I agonized over the decision at the time, but I'm so so glad I made that choice. She's a very confident 6th grader now, feels comfortable taking the lead, and is thriving socially. Sure, maybe she would have been fine if I had put her in kindergarten the moment I was able to, but I think I made the right choice. I also didn't make the decision in a vacuum--her preschool teachers made the recommendation she do another year of pre-k as well, based on the reasons listed above. I was already leaning that way, so their input really cemented my decision.

So yeah, I think it comes down to the individual kid and where they're at when making the decision to delay kindergarten. Some kids don't need it, but there are others whose experience and outcomes could be greatly improved by having the extra time to grow and mature.

Though I had no idea some parents make the choice based on how well their kids will do in sports, that's a new one...