| This can be a very complicated issue, so I don't | | | | Or is it really "immaturity?" How long has the |
| mean to suggest that my comments here are | | | | teacher felt that this was a problem? What other |
| the definitive thoughts on the subject. For a | | | | options exist to deal with the situation? Would |
| parent to even consider the issue, things have to | | | | your child benefit from being with students who |
| be pretty problematic at school. So, even though | | | | were a year younger than himself if the problem |
| these thoughts may be inadequate to cover your | | | | is immaturity? |
| individual situation, I will share them with you | | | | 3. If the reason given for retaining the child is lack |
| anyway... | | | | of academic progress, then ask yourself these |
| Consider these things: | | | | questions: Why didn't my child learn more? Were |
| 1. How old is your child? If you child is 4 or 5 | | | | there problems in school behavior? Poor attention |
| years old (especially with males) and is struggling | | | | span? Poor work ethic? Poor work skills? Too |
| in Kindergarten, he may simply be too young for | | | | much TV watching? Too little parental |
| structured learning. Not a big deal. Bring him home | | | | supervision? Too much parent supervision? |
| and work with him for another year. I usually | | | | Would any of these problems be fixed by holding |
| recommend that parents start their sons in | | | | him back, or would you just repeat the same |
| Kindergarten at age 6 anyway. And many kids | | | | situation over again? |
| with ADHD are just so neurologically immature | | | | Are there other options, such as tutoring, home |
| that they are not going to really be "ready" for a | | | | schooling, summer school, school interventions and |
| classroom setting until they are 8 or 9 or 10. So | | | | accommodations? |
| consider homeschooling the young ADHD kids. | | | | Look at all of your options first. There are dozens |
| 2. If the child is older, and the reason cited is | | | | of things that can be done besides holding a |
| "immaturity," then ask yourself these questions: | | | | student back a grade in school. Just some simple |
| When did the "immaturity" become apparent? Did | | | | thoughts. Hope they help. You can learn a lot |
| it just begin this year? Are there emotional issues, | | | | more about Attention Deficit Disorder in children |
| or learning disabilities, that need to be addressed? | | | | and teens at the ADHD Information Library. |