Holding Children Back a Year in School Can Have Downsides

Media outlets have been highlighting the idea of “redshirting” or holding children back a year in school to help them exceed in athletics and a New York psychologist says there are risks and benefits parents should be aware of before doing this.

“The decision to hold back does not guarantee future success, as academic performance, injuries, the child’s potential to change their wishes, and other factors may disrupt this plan,” said Desiree Romaguera, PsyD, psychologist at the Mildred and Frank Feinberg Division of the Unified Behavioral Health Center for Military Veterans and Their Families in Bay Shore. “Also, it may be difficult for a parent invested in and rooting for a child’s athletic success to keep in mind that a very small percentage of children will go on to be recruited and have careers as professional athletes - it is smart to keep a realistic frame of mind and be mindful of the pressures on the child. Further, it is important for parents to remember that a young child may not have the capacity to anticipate all of the consequences of such a decision. There is potential for a child’s social circle and supports to be impacted, for example the child may no longer feel connected to their original friend group and may not feel able to relate as well with the new, younger cohort. Further, the child may be perceived and treated differently by peers and possibly teachers. There are certainly benefits to moving to the next grade with one’s cohort, including connectedness with a familiar group of peers around a common goal and accomplishment.”

But there are reasons that parents may want or need to keep their child back a year in school.

“Holding a child back in school when the child is not proficient at a basic level may be necessary to ensure that the child develops certain skills that will help him/her to succeed in future school grades and eventually achieve a diploma, which can have implications personally and financially; however again, this may impact the child in certain ways that are not desirable,” Dr. Romaguera said. “It is understandable, especially with the high cost of college, that individuals and their families would put their best effort into obtaining scholarships if one has exceptional ability in academics and/or athletics.”

Here are some questions that Dr. Romaguera says parents should ask themselves before making this important decision:

• How does your child feel about it?
• Is this a collaborative decision or a decision based in the parents’ own wishes and expectations for the child’s performance and future?

“Parents should remember that thoughtfulness and support are key components of good parenting and decision making for their children,” Dr. Romaguera said.