What has my child gotten out of a grade skip?
Friends... real friends, not just kids who are nice to him because he does their classwork for them.
Peers who are into the same things he is.
A teacher who challenges him and understands his unique needs. Who doesn't get offended when he argues his point because "adults are always right". Who has taught him that handwriting matters, even when your brain is moving at 120mph. Who is already working with the next teacher up to give a smooth pass over summer.
A GT class full of kids who are closer (though not quite close enough) to where he is academically.
Losing his freak-flag as the only kid in the room reading a chapter book. Losing his identity as the one who gets frustrated explaining the math for the 20th time.
The confidence to make a mistake and try again. And the wisdom to know that even smart people make mistakes (still working on this one!)
Energy, enthusiasm and love of school again.
I think those are all worth far more than a thought of joining the workforce early. And if it becomes necessary, and it likely will, I will not hesitate to consider another skip.
