Again I will play devil's advocate here. Why do we care so much what others do? If you want to hold your kid back (and the kid agrees) then do it. What do I care? If it is for athletic reasons who cares? If this kid has a better athletic experience and gains much needed confidence and maybe some great memories why is that bad? I have not personally held any of my five kids back for sports reasons so I don't have a dog in this fight. I just don't know why we always care so much here what other people do. Live and let live. Let everyone decide for themselves what is right for their families.
Originally Posted by nonomimi5:
I can not think of any good reason to be the youngest in the grade…athletically, socially and academically. If your child is academically advanced, he can take more Honors and AP classes to challenge himself and look better for colleges. Athleticism and intelligence may not improve by age, but he will have more confidence. A win win situation. Give him the gift of time.
Ap and honors classes are great for HS ans maybe ine or to in MS. But what do you do in grade school. We are fortunate. Our school system not only identifies gifted youth but also provides classes, starting in third grade. Our son who just graduated was identified as all over cognitive. Which meant he was well over grade across the board. He has a sept birthday. I shudder to think how bored he may have been if we held him back for athletic reason. Our school system would never have allowed it once he was enrolled.
But each family has to do what is right for there child. In my opinion holding a child back will not be the difference in whether a player signs a pro contract or not.
Originally Posted by 2020dad:
Again I will play devil's advocate here. Why do we care so much what others do? If you want to hold your kid back (and the kid agrees) then do it. What do I care? If it is for athletic reasons who cares? If this kid has a better athletic experience and gains much needed confidence and maybe some great memories why is that bad? I have not personally held any of my five kids back for sports reasons so I don't have a dog in this fight. I just don't know why we always care so much here what other people do. Live and let live. Let everyone decide for themselves what is right for their families.
My only answer is that this is a chat board, somewhat anonymous...it's a place for people to put their thoughts on posted matters. If this was real life and johnny cross the street was held back, and I whispered to some other parent in the parking lot how crazy they were, it would be gossip. Chat boards just need to be taken for what they are. This one has opened my mind to a lot of baseball and sports matters that I am currently living with my son. It has helped me gain perspective.