Comments on: Should my child repeat a year at school or not? http://www.ronitbaras.com/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/should-my-child-repeat-a-year-at-school-or-not/ "Happy Parents Raise Happy Kids" Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:26:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: ronitbarashttp://www.ronitbaras.com/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/should-my-child-repeat-a-year-at-school-or-not/#comment-8253 ronitbaras Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:17:00 +0000 http://www.ronitbaras.com/index.php/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/should-my-child-repeat-a-year-at-school-or-not/#comment-8253 Nadia,  so sorry it took me time to reply.  The year in Melbourne started this week.  I think being 7 in year 1 is not that much of a problem.  In my kids' school the difference between the youngest one to the oldest is 2 years so it should not be an issue at all.  If repeating will help him emotionally, go for it. !  If it will help him academically ( because he hears everything the second time) that's a bonus!  In your case, I would repeat the year.  Make sure though there is no learning difficulty as this will stay an obstacle even if he repeats the year.  Nadia, 
so sorry it took me time to reply. 
The year in Melbourne started this week. 
I think being 7 in year 1 is not that much of a problem. 
In my kids' school the difference between the youngest one to the oldest is 2 years so it should not be an issue at all. 
If repeating will help him emotionally, go for it. ! 
If it will help him academically ( because he hears everything the second time) that's a bonus! 

In your case, I would repeat the year. 
Make sure though there is no learning difficulty as this will stay an obstacle even if he repeats the year. 

]]> By: ronitbarashttp://www.ronitbaras.com/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/should-my-child-repeat-a-year-at-school-or-not/#comment-8252 ronitbaras Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:13:00 +0000 http://www.ronitbaras.com/index.php/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/should-my-child-repeat-a-year-at-school-or-not/#comment-8252 I think being 16 in grade 8 is not appropriate.  Maybe the school system is not the right place for him.  There are many other alternatives to school. I think being 16 in grade 8 is not appropriate. 
Maybe the school system is not the right place for him. 
There are many other alternatives to school.

]]> By: ronitbarashttp://www.ronitbaras.com/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/should-my-child-repeat-a-year-at-school-or-not/#comment-8251 ronitbaras Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:09:00 +0000 http://www.ronitbaras.com/index.php/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/should-my-child-repeat-a-year-at-school-or-not/#comment-8251 Sharon,  I would stay away from schools that does IQ test!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I studied special education 25 years ago. My teachers who were experts back then told us to stay away from the IQ tests and never,never,never,never use them or jump into conclusion reading the results.  When I moved to Australia, 10 years ago, someone told me, Ronit, Australia is 20 years behind in Education. I said " no way, come on, what are you talking about? this is a modern place, modern place with technology. you must be exaggerating"  My first project was working with dyslexic kids . I worked for a very well known centre and when they gave me the kids, they gave me their IQ test.  I was shocked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How on earth an IQ test help me in learning about the child's problem?  The owner of the centre said to me "Ronit, Welcome to Australia!"    Every child can be taught and progress, even if he does have an organic problem.  1. I would take my child far away from this school.  2. I would remind the new school that it is your choice to keep him one more year behind. ( you need to live with the consequences of your choice)  3. find a special education teacher in your area that works on emotional intelligence and get your son to work on his EQ 4. find a school that focuses on other areas than academic: sport, art, music, science...    The system is disabled, do not let it blame you or your son for its disability to cater for different needs.  Truly, sometimes I think that they forgot what their job is.  Maybe educators should go through an oath -much like doctors.  Sharon, 

I would stay away from schools that does IQ test!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I studied special education 25 years ago. My teachers who were experts back then told us to stay away from the IQ tests and never,never,never,never use them or jump into conclusion reading the results. 
When I moved to Australia, 10 years ago, someone told me, Ronit, Australia is 20 years behind in Education. I said " no way, come on, what are you talking about? this is a modern place, modern place with technology. you must be exaggerating" 
My first project was working with dyslexic kids . I worked for a very well known centre and when they gave me the kids, they gave me their IQ test. 
I was shocked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How on earth an IQ test help me in learning about the child's problem? 
The owner of the centre said to me "Ronit, Welcome to Australia!" 
 
Every child can be taught and progress, even if he does have an organic problem. 
1. I would take my child far away from this school. 
2. I would remind the new school that it is your choice to keep him one more year behind. ( you need to live with the consequences of your choice) 
3. find a special education teacher in your area that works on emotional intelligence and get your son to work on his EQ
4. find a school that focuses on other areas than academic: sport, art, music, science...   

The system is disabled, do not let it blame you or your son for its disability to cater for different needs. 
Truly, sometimes I think that they forgot what their job is. 
Maybe educators should go through an oath -much like doctors. 

]]> By: ronitbarashttp://www.ronitbaras.com/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/should-my-child-repeat-a-year-at-school-or-not/#comment-8250 ronitbaras Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:53:00 +0000 http://www.ronitbaras.com/index.php/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/should-my-child-repeat-a-year-at-school-or-not/#comment-8250 I think it is better not repeat so many years.  His happiness is much more important.  I think it is better not repeat so many years. 
His happiness is much more important. 

]]> By: ronitbarashttp://www.ronitbaras.com/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/should-my-child-repeat-a-year-at-school-or-not/#comment-8238 ronitbaras Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:53:00 +0000 http://www.ronitbaras.com/index.php/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/should-my-child-repeat-a-year-at-school-or-not/#comment-8238 I would listen to your son.  If his reasons are genuine ( doesn't want to stay with some friends or something like that) I would follow him.  Kids will do lots to avoid it but if they want to, go for it!   I would listen to your son. 
If his reasons are genuine ( doesn't want to stay with some friends or something like that) I would follow him. 
Kids will do lots to avoid it but if they want to, go for it!  

]]> By: Terrihttp://www.ronitbaras.com/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/should-my-child-repeat-a-year-at-school-or-not/#comment-8208 Terri Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:11:00 +0000 http://www.ronitbaras.com/index.php/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/should-my-child-repeat-a-year-at-school-or-not/#comment-8208 Look into private tutoring or if there is a processing difficulty such organizations as "Brain Works" or "Brain Balance" here in the States.  He should be able to catch up with outside help. Look into private tutoring or if there is a processing difficulty such organizations as "Brain Works" or "Brain Balance" here in the States.  He should be able to catch up with outside help.

]]> By: Sharon Kimberhttp://www.ronitbaras.com/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/should-my-child-repeat-a-year-at-school-or-not/#comment-8207 Sharon Kimber Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:40:00 +0000 http://www.ronitbaras.com/index.php/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/should-my-child-repeat-a-year-at-school-or-not/#comment-8207 I am in need of advice.  My 6 year old son (born 20.05.2005) attended a Language Development Centre in WA for PP and Year 1 as he'd been identified as having a serious language development delay.  However, half way through Year 1 his teacher requested that he undergo an IQ test as he was not progressing at the rate she felt he should be attaining. The subsequent result has shown that he is 'Borderline Mentally Disabled' (a horrid label) and they therefore decided to exit him from the Centre at the end of the year as they felt he would not benefit from continuiing there. However, his scores preclude him from going to an Educational Support Centre and he therefore has to attend a mainstream school. Despite my request for him to repeat Year 1 this year, the Principal stated that there is no benefit for him to repeat the year.  I strongly feel that he is not emotionally mature enough to cope in Year 2 where he already has difficulties and no has to cope in an environment where he is the youngest too. What would you advise? I am in need of advice.  My 6 year old son (born 20.05.2005) attended a Language Development Centre in WA for PP and Year 1 as he'd been identified as having a serious language development delay.  However, half way through Year 1 his teacher requested that he undergo an IQ test as he was not progressing at the rate she felt he should be attaining.
The subsequent result has shown that he is 'Borderline Mentally Disabled' (a horrid label) and they therefore decided to exit him from the Centre at the end of the year as they felt he would not benefit from continuiing there.
However, his scores preclude him from going to an Educational Support Centre and he therefore has to attend a mainstream school.
Despite my request for him to repeat Year 1 this year, the Principal stated that there is no benefit for him to repeat the year. 
I strongly feel that he is not emotionally mature enough to cope in Year 2 where he already has difficulties and no has to cope in an environment where he is the youngest too.
What would you advise?

]]> By: Eric Kwonhttp://www.ronitbaras.com/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/should-my-child-repeat-a-year-at-school-or-not/#comment-8204 Eric Kwon Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:26:00 +0000 http://www.ronitbaras.com/index.php/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/should-my-child-repeat-a-year-at-school-or-not/#comment-8204 Hi, my son repeated 2 times in school just now ,but the first one was because of my company in korea, he got good grades and passed the 1st grade but when we moved to the United States we decided to make repeat the 1st grade, but after in 5th grade we repeated him again because we wanted him to review the lessons again for a year,he could have pass the grade but instead we let him repeat, right now my son is in Brazil with my wife , she told  me that Eric had to repeat again , I was very dissapointed to hear this situation, my son called me the other night that he didn't know what his future was going to be from now, he has really wanted to be a great basketball player , he said he wanted to come back to LA but the problem was people in the airplane company said he can come to LA but he can't enter the outside area , my son told me we ruined his life and he just wanted to give up on his life , he told me he was going to be laughed at by other kids because he is going to be 15 years old when he is in 7th grade and will be 16 when he is in 8th grade , now I really don't know what to do for my son, I want to find out if he can enter the USA this month so he dosen't have to repeat the 7th grade again, he said he just dosen't want to be anything anymore because of me and my wife, he also said he won't be accepted in any colleges that he has wanted to go to now because he will be reapeating 3 times , If you guys have any advices please tell me fast , because I just want my son to be happy in life and not give up on his future ... thank you Hi, my son repeated 2 times in school just now ,but the first one was because of my company in korea, he got good grades and passed the 1st grade but when we moved to the United States we decided to make repeat the 1st grade, but after in 5th grade we repeated him again because we wanted him to review the lessons again for a year,he could have pass the grade but instead we let him repeat, right now my son is in Brazil with my wife , she told  me that Eric had to repeat again , I was very dissapointed to hear this situation, my son called me the other night that he didn't know what his future was going to be from now, he has really wanted to be a great basketball player , he said he wanted to come back to LA but the problem was people in the airplane company said he can come to LA but he can't enter the outside area , my son told me we ruined his life and he just wanted to give up on his life , he told me he was going to be laughed at by other kids because he is going to be 15 years old when he is in 7th grade and will be 16 when he is in 8th grade , now I really don't know what to do for my son, I want to find out if he can enter the USA this month so he dosen't have to repeat the 7th grade again, he said he just dosen't want to be anything anymore because of me and my wife, he also said he won't be accepted in any colleges that he has wanted to go to now because he will be reapeating 3 times , If you guys have any advices please tell me fast , because I just want my son to be happy in life and not give up on his future ... thank you

]]> By: Davette_quinoneshttp://www.ronitbaras.com/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/should-my-child-repeat-a-year-at-school-or-not/#comment-8185 Davette_quinones Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:27:00 +0000 http://www.ronitbaras.com/index.php/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/should-my-child-repeat-a-year-at-school-or-not/#comment-8185 I am in need of help!  I have read so many articles that say retaining a child is negative.  My son just turned 16 in October and is a junior in high school.  He has never had problems academically as he is taking all AP classes and making good grades.  The problem he is having is maturity wise and I feel so bad as a parent that I allowed him to start school early.  I have spoken to counselors at his school and they all feel he is mature, but my son says himself he feels overwhelmed and is feels it is best he repeats the 11th grade.  He has become withdrawn and feels know one understands him.  I want to do what is best for my child, but I don't want retaining him to mess up his chances of getting into college.  If he is retained do to maturity and not academics would this cause him not to get into a good college?  Please help I don't know what else to do.  I want my son to be happy and not miserable like he is right now.  My son is set to graduate from high school in 2013 and honestly I don't see him making it on his own.  He is not ready for the world.  Thank you for your time. I am in need of help!  I have read so many articles that say retaining a child is negative.  My son just turned 16 in October and is a junior in high school.  He has never had problems academically as he is taking all AP classes and making good grades.  The problem he is having is maturity wise and I feel so bad as a parent that I allowed him to start school early.  I have spoken to counselors at his school and they all feel he is mature, but my son says himself he feels overwhelmed and is feels it is best he repeats the 11th grade.  He has become withdrawn and feels know one understands him.  I want to do what is best for my child, but I don't want retaining him to mess up his chances of getting into college.  If he is retained do to maturity and not academics would this cause him not to get into a good college?  Please help I don't know what else to do.  I want my son to be happy and not miserable like he is right now.  My son is set to graduate from high school in 2013 and honestly I don't see him making it on his own.  He is not ready for the world.  Thank you for your time.

]]> By: ronitbarashttp://www.ronitbaras.com/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/should-my-child-repeat-a-year-at-school-or-not/#comment-8123 ronitbaras Sat, 15 Oct 2011 11:50:00 +0000 http://www.ronitbaras.com/index.php/focus-on-the-family/parenting-family/should-my-child-repeat-a-year-at-school-or-not/#comment-8123 Power to parents!  Power to parents! 

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