Would you 'redshirt' your child?

A 22-year-old shares her health journey to encourage others to "keep pushing for answers." August 14, 2024 | [VIEW IN BROWSER]( [This is TODAY] Tropical Storm Ernesto could become a hurricane today, marking the fifth named storm of what experts predicted would be an exceptionally busy hurricane season. Plus, parents are giving a new meaning to the college sports term "redshirting."   The Latest   🌀 Where is Tropical Storm Ernesto headed?]( Tropical Storm Ernesto is swirling over the Atlantic Ocean, leading schools and offices in [Puerto Rico to shutter]( Wednesday morning as the island was hit with torrential downpours. The storm will likely become a hurricane as parts of the East Coast still recover from [Hurricane Debby](. Ernesto is the fifth named storm of this year's hurricane season, which [experts predicted would be exceptionally busy](. Here's [Ernesto's full path](, which is predicted to veer northeast over the Atlantic. [A 22-year-old cardiac nurse experienced chest pains at work. How it led to a pacemaker.]( Jessika Seward, then 22, [felt a sharp jolt of pain]( in her chest while working an overnight shift as a cardiac nurse in 2023. Knowing she had a [first-degree heart block](, she decided to go to the emergency room when the pain continued. After a doctor attempted to perform a cardiac ablation, Seward agreed to get a pacemaker, which she said transformed her life. Now, Seward is encouraging people to be "their own advocate" and "keep pushing for answers." Read [Seward's story here](. [⏲️ What is ‘redshirting’? Why parents are delaying when their kids start kindergarten.]( You may have heard of ["redshirting"]( when it comes to college athletes sitting out a season to extend their eligibility. But the concept also applies to parents holding their children back an extra year before starting kindergarten. Reasons why vary from their child's social or emotional readiness to having them be more competitive in athletics down the road. We spoke to experts about [how parents should think about redshirting](, and whether it has any actual advantages. [Here's their advice.](   Shop TODAY   Budget-friendly deals, gift guides and more from Shop TODAY. [Steals & Deals: Up to 80% off wireless earbuds, a blow dry hair brush and more.]( Steals & Deals is back with another day of discounts — and free shipping. This morning, Jill Martin has deals on home, tech and a beauty favorite that will make for easy styling this fall. [SHOP NOW](   Start TODAY   Achieve your life and health goals with easy tips. These 7 sciatica stretches, including prone press-ups and nerve glides, can help reduce and prevent nerve pain in your back and legs. [READ MORE]( [GET THE NEWSLETTER](   What's For Dinner?   Allow us to do the meal-planning for you Make restaurant-style sweet and savory coconut shrimp at home in just 15 minutes with this recipe from New Orleans chef Toya Boudy. [VIEW RECIPE]( [♡ SAVE RECIPE](   Daily Delight   A little pick-me-up before you go. It's really the thought that counts. Virginia author Lindsay Schraad Keeling, 32, recently took to social media to share a [sympathy card]( she made at age 7 for a grieving teacher. "I am so sory computer teacher that your mom had to die. Sory," Keeling wrote. "But everybody hasts to die some day. And today it was your mom’s turn to die." Keeling's mother, Julie, wisely made sure the letter did not reach its recipient. After the death of Keeling's grandfather in July, her mom retrieved the memento to cheer her up. “I was so grateful that I could bring joy to people who were grieving like me,” Keeling told TODAY.com. [See the best reactions](.   Thanks for letting us in your inbox! See you tomorrow. Written by Scott Stump and Anna Kaplan | Edited by Maddie Ellis Enjoying This is TODAY? Invite a friend to[subscribe here.]( Send us Feedback Follow us on Facebook More TODAY Newsletters Copyright © 2024 TODAY | 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112 [MANAGE SUBSCRIPTION]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE](listvar=sub_today) | [PRIVACY]( | [SEND FEEDBACK](