By holding a child back you allow them to mature, both mentally and physically. Does this give them an advantage? Yes it probably does, but that is my duty as a parent, to ensure the success of my child. I would do whatever it takes to help my child succeed. I don't make a spectacular living. Both my wife and I work to pay for our children to attend private school. We don't go on vacation. My children have benefited from staying back. They are doing better in school. Neither child is big, but they are athletic. Tell me what I did wrong?