Is holding my son back a grade the right choice?

Question

My son should be going to 6th grade at summer's end but I don't think he's ready. He has struggled in school since day 1. He's never been diagnosed with any learning or behavioral problems. He has barely passed a grade since 3rd and always had to attend summer school to make it to the next. This year(5th grade)he had all F's and D's throughout the year and the school was still going to promote him. Am I crazy or what, thinking they are setting him up for failure?? I'm afraid if I let him go to 6th,he'll get ridiculously behind and overwhelmed. Am I making the right decision?

Answer 1

you are his mother and if you think that it will be the best thing for him then go for it. Being a year behind won't hurt him. However I would move him to a different school that way he won't have any feelings of embarrasment around the other kids that were in a grade below him before. My younger sister was young for her class and constantly struggled just like your son. My mom held her back a year and she changed schools and now she is doing much better. It is your choice so just follow your gut feeling.

Answer 2

If he's not understanding what he learned the past school year, it will only get harder for him. Is there any way for him to transfer to another school? If the one he's in now is satisfied with his work to date, it doesn't sound like a very promising place to keep him. He clearly needs help of some kind, and I agree with why you would want to hold him back.

I'm assuming he's been tested for learning disabilities. Have you tried tutoring?

Answer 3

You are making the right decision.