Repeating Kindergarten - ADD / ADHD Message Board

MaryC · 03-20-2003, 07:51 AM

We just got word from my daughter's Kindergarten teacher that she may have to repeat next year. She has been a great and supportive teacher since Sept. The teacher said that we have until July to decide, hoping that her ADHD is under better control by then. She had a bad reaction to Adderall and have a Dr.'s appt next Tuesday to discuss other meds. My dilemma is this - should we ease off on the major homework issues right now, and just enjoy our time together and repeat next year, or should I keep pushing and pushing now hoping that she can move on to 1st grade? My real question to all you out there is: Is it unrealistic of me to think that we can have the whole medication problem under control by July? She was only on one med so far and that was a real nightmare. Any thoughts on repeating Kindergarten? Thanks

[This message has been edited by MaryC (edited 03-20-2003).]

susgan · 03-20-2003, 10:42 AM

My son had to go to a class called Prefirst. It was a stepping stone before 1st grade. It consisted of repeating kindegarden the 1st half of the year and preparing him for 1st grade the 2nd half of the year. It helped a little.

My opinions are that it so much easier for a child at age 5-8 to adjust to being held back then at a later age. Think about a 5th grader that has all his/her freinds advancing & they are not. My son today doesn't even remember that he had an extra year of school as we just told him this was the normal step in schooling for him. We didn't make a big deal out of it and he is just fine. I truly beleive it is harder on the parents to accept this and to implement it. I think you couldn't go wrong if you did.

I wish I could give you better advice on the meds. than what I am about too, but I can't. We have always had nightmares with the 3 kinds my son has been on thru the years. I have recently took him off all meds.and are trying many different things now, but keep in mind he was ADD w/LD not ADHD. I have heard alot of parents say that concerta, & strattera are working well for them. Look back at some of the older post. They can help you more in that area than I can.

Good luck

Susan

MaryC · 03-20-2003, 11:31 AM

Thank you, Susan. If our school had a pre-first it would be no problem. I checked and there isn't one close in the area. She's in Catholic school, and I'd like to keep her there if possible. My gut feeling is telling me to repeat next year, because Olivia has the visual perception problem also. (Isn't your son the one doing visual therapy, or was that someone else?) We are trying Occupational Therapy for now to help with eye-hand coordination. It sure seems like a long road with trial and error, but it could be worse! Thanks for sharing! MC

susgan · 03-20-2003, 12:20 PM

yes, we are trying the vision therapy or at least I hope to. We have our consultation Monday. I have no idea what it will cost, or how much time he needs to invest in this. The original findings blew my mind. I think this is a major part of his problem. Or maybe I am just hoping like heck it is.

I'll let you know how that goes!

CMMG · 03-20-2003, 02:09 PM

We also held our son back in kindergarten. His birthday is at the end of August and it was recommended that he repeat because he had such a rough year. The teacher was horrendous!!! We are very glad that he repeated, the second kindergarten teacher was so much better and very sympathetic and respectful to my son's feelings. Since you already have a good rapport with his teacher I would follow her recommendation and go with your gut feeling regarding your daughter. I agree that it is much easier for a younger child to repeat a grade than an older one. She just may need the extra year to mature and adjust. The meds. will come in time. Don't pressure yourself too much by trying to find the right med in such a short time frame. Let your daughter relax for the rest of this year and enjoy the extra time! Have fun.