Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
If your child doesn’t seem ready for kindergarten or the next grade, what should you do? What if the school is suggesting that your child stay back?
In this episode, we break down the real factors behind redshirting and grade retention. Guest Dr. Imani Irving-Perez, a lecturer on early childhood and special education, shares what to consider. She talks about social-emotional development, academic readiness, behavior, and more. You’ll learn what questions to ask schools, what the research says, and how to make a decision that supports your child now and later.
For more on this topic
Listen: Need help advocating for your kid at school? We talk to a pro understood.org/en/podcasts/in-it/help-advocating-for-your-kid
Read: Retention: Why kids are held back understood.org/en/articles/retention-why-kids-are-held-back
For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. understood.org/en/podcasts/the-opportunity-gap/should-you-hold-child-back
We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.
Questions about learning and thinking differences? Get answers and expert-vetted resources by asking the AI-powered Understood Assistant:
understood.org/en/assistant?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=assistant-agn-prod&utm_content=video
Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/en/donate?sc=OG0725YTO&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=fundraising-agn-vid-opportunitygap&utm_content=video
For more resources, support, and excellent memes, subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on:
Instagram: instagram.com/understoodorg
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Pinterest: pinterest.com/understoodorg
#ParentingAdvice
#KindergartenReadiness
#SchoolReadiness
#SpecialEducation
#ParentingPodcast
If your child doesn’t seem ready for kindergarten or the next grade, what should you do? What if the school is suggesting that your child stay back?
In this episode, we break down the real factors behind redshirting and grade retention. Guest Dr. Imani Irving-Perez, a lecturer on early childhood and special education, shares what to consider. She talks about social-emotional development, academic readiness, behavior, and more. You’ll learn what questions to ask schools, what the research says, and how to make a decision that supports your child now and later.
For more on this topic
Listen: Need help advocating for your kid at school? We talk to a pro understood.org/en/podcasts/in-it/help-advocating-for-your-kid
Read: Retention: Why kids are held back understood.org/en/articles/retention-why-kids-are-held-back
For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. understood.org/en/podcasts/the-opportunity-gap/should-you-hold-child-back
We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.
Questions about learning and thinking differences? Get answers and expert-vetted resources by asking the AI-powered Understood Assistant:
understood.org/en/assistant?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=assistant-agn-prod&utm_content=video
Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/en/donate?sc=OG0725YTO&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=fundraising-agn-vid-opportunitygap&utm_content=video
For more resources, support, and excellent memes, subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on:
Instagram: instagram.com/understoodorg
Facebook: facebook.com/Understood
TikTok: tiktok.com/@understood.org
Pinterest: pinterest.com/understoodorg
#ParentingAdvice
#KindergartenReadiness
#SchoolReadiness
#SpecialEducation
#ParentingPodcast
