This can be a very complicated issue, so I don't mean to suggest that my comments here are the definitive thoughts on the subject. For a parent to even consider the issue, things have to be pretty problematic at school. So, even though these thoughts may be inadequate to cover your individual situation, I will share them with you anyway...
Consider these things:
1. How old is your child? If you child is 4 or 5 years old (especially with males) and is struggling in Kindergarten, he may simply be too young for structured learning. Not a big deal. Bring him home and work with him for another year. I usually recommend that parents start their sons in Kindergarten at age 6 anyway. And many kids with ADHD are just so neurologically immature that they are not going to really be "ready" for a classroom setting until they are 8 or 9 or 10. So consider homeschooling the young ADHD kids.
2. If the child is older, and the reason cited is "immaturity," then ask yourself these questions: When did the "immaturity" become apparent? Did it just begin this year? Are there emotional issues, or learning disabilities, that need to be addressed? Or is it really "immaturity?" How long has the teacher felt that this was a problem? What other options exist to deal with the situation? Would your child benefit from being with students who were a year younger than himself if the problem is immaturity?
3. If the reason given for retaining the child is lack of academic progress, then ask yourself these questions: Why didn't my child learn more? Were there problems in school behavior? Poor attention span? Poor work ethic? Poor work skills? Too much TV watching? Too little parental supervision? Too much parent supervision?
Would any of these problems be fixed by holding him back, or would you just repeat the same situation over again?
Are there other options, such as tutoring, home schooling, summer school, school interventions and accommodations?
Look at all of your options first. There are dozens of things that can be done besides holding a student back a grade in school. Just some simple thoughts. Hope they help. You can learn a lot more about attention deficit disorder in children and teens at the ADHD Information Library.
Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., is a family therapist who has been working with ADHD children and their families since 1986. He is the clinical director of the ADHD Information Library's family of seven web sites, including attention deficit disorder , helping over 350,000 parents and teachers learn more about ADHD each year. Dr. Cowan also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of VAXA International of Tampa, FL., is President of the Board of Directors for KAXL 88.3 FM in central California, and is President of NewIdeas.net Incorporated.
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareIn the last few years, parents started getting more and... Read More
1. Make stronger connections among individuals and, therefore, creates a... Read More
Pool safety should be on the minds of every parent... Read More
An apology is a sign of strength, not weakness. Sometimes... Read More
If you're a single parent or a married couple on... Read More
Parental example, whether for good or for bad, is undoubtedly... Read More
While on a recent trip to the grocery store, I... Read More
There are a LOT of alternative treatments for sale out... Read More
Discipline is a necessary part of parenting yet it makes... Read More
Our children are our most important legacy to the world.... Read More
This year alone, 1,600 teenagers aged 15 to 19 will... Read More
Do you ever wonder what is behind the occasional nasty... Read More
I love Google and Yahoo. With Google and Yahoo I... Read More
When is a person brilliant? When does a person show... Read More
When choosing the perfect jogging stroller, a very important question... Read More
Whether children attend public or private schools, they benefit when... Read More
The least flexible character in all of the stories of... Read More
During one "generation gap" quarrel with his parents young Michael... Read More
Whenever parents discuss how to deal with bed wetting, the... Read More
In a single dose of children's television, I was bombarded... Read More
? Let the child choose his or her own lunch... Read More
If there are any parents reading this who are thinking... Read More
As the new school year begins, parents play a pivotal... Read More
Strattera came out around January of 2003, and is becoming... Read More
Many reasons will cause some people to feel the need... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..I am in pain. I've been in pain all day.... Read More
Thank you for all that you do in the classroom!... Read More
Checking accounts are an absolute necessity these days. You can... Read More
A friend phoned her neighbor, complaining about the wafts of... Read More
Let's face it.The job market is getting tougher every day.Computerization... Read More
Prioritize. Learn to say No. Steal some time for yourself.Don't... Read More
Reasearch into children's friendships shows that those children who are... Read More
Many children who suffer from the psychological effects of child... Read More
1. Encourage your babysitter by keeping their favorite foods/snacks on... Read More
Bi-Polar Disorder, or Manic Depression, is characterized by mood swings,... Read More
Most research into children's friendships shows that those children who... Read More
1. New Word of the DayIntroduce your preschooler to a... Read More
Not too long ago my teenage daughter approached me with... Read More
Is it possible to be using our children addictively?Anything that... Read More
Attention all parents of teen-agers. Here is an important, groundbreaking... Read More
For troubled teens who are struggling with drug abuse, depression... Read More
Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant... Read More
Like anything else in life, there's a method to the... Read More
So you're going to become a father. Now is not... Read More
4 traps to avoidTrap 1 - Parents need to realize... Read More
Summer Survival The... Read More
Jason Meridith's two-year old son whines when he wants more... Read More
Drivers 16 years of age have little driving experience, putting... Read More
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the phrase that is... Read More
Strattera came out around January of 2003, and is becoming... Read More
Parenting |