I want my son to repeat Kindergarten, school is saying he must go to first grade. He is not ready. Any ideas?

I would worry about what repeating a grade at the same school will do to his self esteem and social development. I heard fourth graders mocking a kid who repeated kindergarten for being stupid -- kids have amazing memories. I'd switch schools and have him repeat kindergarten where the other kids don't know he's a repeat.

It sounds like you have some real concerns about your son's ability to handle the expectations of 1st grade. Could you give us a little more info? Are you concerned with his academic readiness? If so, in what areas? How about his social skills? Is he able to make friends and follow classroom routines? What about his work habits and overall maturity level?

Generally speaking, grade retention is not an effective solution for most academic difficulties. Research shows that grade retention usually results in long term negative consequences. Unless your child is much younger than his classmates, I would seek more effective solutions.

If you have some real concerns about academics and or behavior and organization, you should request in writing a special education evaluation. Maybe what your child needs is more intensive and direct instruction that will allow him to build the skills needed to catch up.

Give us a bit more info and we can give you more guidance.

Hello. I'm wondering if you can give us a bit more background on your son. How old is he/when is his birthday? Did he attend preschool? In what ways do you feel he isn't ready? Academically is he struggling? If so, what subject areas? Is he immature socially/emotionally? Has he ever been formally evaluated for learning disabilities? If you can give us more details, we might be able to give you specific suggestions on how to handle the situation.