As someone who has been a social worker, mother, wife and divorcee I have been around the block a few times. I’m humbled to answer your questions and feel that if a problem can be shared it can be halved – at the very least.
Celebrity agony aunt Helen Lederer gives you her heartfelt advice every week
My son and his wife took our eldest grandson out of school when Covid hit. Now he’s 11. He attended pre-school and primary, is very bright, and aged six could read as well as we can.
His brother never went to preschool or primary. He is now six and being home-schooled with his brother by their mother. They go to various classes, like ballet, but don’t spend much time with other kids. Both say “school is bad”.
We have them over regularly and worry about the youngest. He is smart and great with his speech but cannot read, spell or do maths. We’re afraid to say anything as our son is under a lot of pressure.
This must be very worrying for you, especially as you sound like devoted grandparents who simply want the best for your grandsons.
Covid interrupted education for thousands of children and had massive effects on social interaction.
Home schooling has become far more common since the pandemic – 92,000 children (or thereabouts) are apparently engaging in this method in England alone, based on one day’s sampling.
Parents are, of course, entitled to home school their children – often to great effect – but there may be some differences. I am sure that your son and daughter-in-law are bright and capable of providing for their children – you say your older grandson is doing very well.
You say that the younger boy, though equally bright, d
