More parents are considering this option for their children to "encourage their mental, social and physical development," columnist Sue Shellenbarger writes in the The Wall Street Journal.

More children are being held back a grade because they have failed standardized tests, fueled in some places by the 2002 federal No Child Left Behind law.

Now, however, being held back a grade is considered less of a stigma by parents who see their kids struggling or performing at average levels and think repeating a grade would put them closer to the top of their class, school officials say. Some believe an extra year of maturity would help kids who are lagging behind their classmates socially.

There are pros and cons to this approach, and research is not clear on whether students benefit from being held back, according to the article.

I'm sure it's hard for any parent to consider holding back a child, but at the end of the day, you have to consider what's best for her or him.

Have you wrestled with this dilemma? If so, how did you make your decision?