Page 147 - The Intentional Parent

This is a wise time to hold a child back. The points you raise are all very good. If Josh is still immature for his age, there is really no need to send him to kindergarten. Children's academic and behavioral maturity at kindergarten age varies tremendously from child to child. If you enter him into school and he has a poor adjustment, he could develop a negative perception about school, and that is certainly something you would like to avoid. Provide some enriching experiences during the year you keep him out of school. This can be done at a formal pre-K program, or even right at home. The activities should include creative ones such as painting and coloring, but also activities related to early academic skills. He can practice saying the alphabet or do simple counting games. Also, gradually set some higher behavioral standards in terms of how long he can sit still and the amount and type of independent work he does. In other words, use the year to actively prepare him for a good kindergarten adjustment.
PROBLEMS WITH TEACHERS
My child's third-grade teacher seems very mean. My daughter has always been a very good student, but lately she has been coming home terrified and upset. When I ask her what's wrong, she tells me Mrs. Martin is always yelling at her. I went up to speak with Mrs. Martin and she told me, "There's nothing wrong with your daughter or her performance in class. I get the feeling that sometimes she wants to be babied, but I've got twenty-two students who need my attention. She'll get over it." I feel so bad for my daughter. Her first- and second-grade teachers absolutely adored her, and she looked forward to going to school every day. Now, before school, she has stomachaches and headaches and tries
The Intentional Parent by Peter J. Favaro, Ph.D. 147