Need advice from parents who have had son repeat 8th grade.

Elijah posted:

My son is a 2021 with an August birthday. He is the youngest in his class. Full disclosure, I first started thinking about having him repeat 8th grade because of baseball. He played 12u last year (his age) but he was supposed to be playing his grade (13u). Of course, 13u is over and he is still 12. Concerning baseball, I want him to have another year of experience before entering high school (he only started playing at 10). 

After some research and reading arguments (for and against), I want to have him repeat the 8th grade, now for more than just for baseball. I am hoping that there are some parents on here that have also made this choice that could maybe tell me how their transition went. Are they happy with their decision, etc. 

I know some of you don't agree with this type of decision. I am not here to argue the point. I am not on the fence about this. I want to do it and my son is for the idea. Baseball aside, I believe it is the best thing for my son. However, I am happy to hear any point of view as there is always room to learn something from another opinion. If you have made this decision, I would appreciate your thoughts. 

Thanks!!

I just went through exact same situation. My son is a big kid 6'0" and youngest kid (by a year) in his 8th grade class. My wife and I realized that we should have held him back in preschool but because of his size we let him continue. His grades had always been great but in 7th grade noticed a general decline (mostly B's) and continued through 8th. We talked with my son and he was on board with repeating 8th- here's the kicker - my kids attend a private school in Jax and the school was not on board with him repeating the grade. We were told he would have to "leave the school and come back for 9th". We have now transferred him to another private school in the area- a lot of his travel team attends this school- and he's beyond excited to be in class of 2021. Good luck!

Elijah posted:

bballdad2016 posted:

I agree that this thread has run its course. I'll also state "my opinion" and say your mind was made up prior to your original post.  And on a last note (from me), get to know TPM.  She has offered very sage advise to you, you just didn't hear it.  A few years ago her advise would have sounded like "have you lost your mind?".  But if you re-read the entire thread, you may be able to pick up on that from the majority that have posted.  

 

When I first read your original post, I wanted to respond with "no, don't repeat 8th grade. As a matter of fact, have him get his GED and enter a JUCO ASAP." 

"I know some of you don't agree with this type of decision. I am not here to argue the point. I am not on the fence about this. I want to do it and my son is for the idea. Baseball aside, I believe it is the best thing for my son. However, I am happy to hear any point of view as there is always room to learn something from another opinion. If you have made this decision, I would appreciate your thoughts."

From my the original post. This might have been how you came to your conclusion.

Your original post was pretty clear that you were going to hold your son back and that you were wanting advice from others who have done so.  

I am hoping that there are some parents on here that have also made this choice that could maybe tell me how their transition went. Are they happy with their decision, etc. 

Your only mistake was questioning the advice of TPM.    

I know a couple of other kids who were held back prior to entering elementary school. Both turned 19 during late December of their senior years of high school. Turned 20 at the halfway point of their freshman year of college. One went to a D2, the other a JUCO. 

The D2 sustained an injury during the fall of his sophomore season and redshirted during the spring. As a result, he will be a 22 year old RS sophomore. 

The JUCO did not last throughout the fall of his freshman year before returning home. Entered another JUCO closer to home the next year as a true freshman and sustained an injury in the fall requiring surgery. Redshirted in the Spring. He will be a 22 year old RS Freshman.

Stafford posted:

I know a couple of other kids who were held back prior to entering elementary school. Both turned 19 during late December of their senior years of high school. Turned 20 at the halfway point of their freshman year of college. One went to a D2, the other a JUCO. 

The D2 sustained an injury during the fall of his sophomore season and redshirted during the spring. As a result, he will be a 22 year old RS sophomore. 

The JUCO did not last throughout the fall of his freshman year before returning home. Entered another JUCO closer to home the next year as a true freshman and sustained an injury in the fall requiring surgery. Redshirted in the Spring. He will be a 22 year old RS Freshman.

 

He would graduate at 18yr, 10 months if he had the extra year. He would graduate college at 22. I'll take the extra year of development. 

Sounds like your mind is made up-was before u asked original ?  Post a follow up when son is done w HS  and let us know how it all went. 

playball2011 posted:

Sounds like your mind is made up-was before u asked original ?  Post a follow up when son is done w HS  and let us know how it all went. 

 

You are correct. It was stated clearly in original post. Thanks to those who read it.