Is your child struggling to go back to school?

As a parent, you might notice your child becoming increasingly upset or anxious about going to school. While it’s normal for kids to occasionally grumble about school, “school refusal” is a more serious issue.

School refusal isn’t just about your child not wanting to go to school – it’s when they become extremely distressed at the idea of attending. This isn’t the same as skipping school to hang out with friends. Instead, kids with school refusal often experience intense worry or fear about going to school.

Signs to watch for:

• Your child getting very upset when it’s time for school
• Frequent complaints of headaches or stomach aches on school days
• Begging to stay home or leave school early
• Excessive visits to the school nurse
• Increased tardiness or absences

Remember, a child can have school refusal even if they’re attending most days. The key is how much distress they’re experiencing and how it’s affecting your family’s daily life.

Here are some tips for parents dealing with kids refusing to go back to school after summer break:

Understand the difference

Recognize that school refusal is different from typical reluctance to return to school. It involves extreme anxiety and distress about attending.

Don’t prolong time at home

Even if your child expresses anxiety, it’s important to get them back to school as soon as possible to prevent the avoidance from becoming reinforced.

Communicate with teachers

Reach out to your child’s teachers to discuss any concerns and ensure they’re aware of the situation. This can help ease your child’s worries about missed work or expectations.

Listen without judgment

Pay attention to what your child says about school. They may reveal specific concerns or issues that are contributing to their reluctance.

Look for patterns

Notice if your child is frequently complaining of physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches, as these can be signs of anxiety.

Seek professional help

If the refusal persists for weeks or months, consider getting a comprehensive diagnostic assessment to understand any underlying issues like anxiety disorders or depression.

Consider cognitive behavioral therapy

This type of therapy can help children manage anxious thoughts and gradually face their fears about school.

Use gradual exposure

Work with a therapist to slowly reintroduce your child to the school environment, starting with small steps like driving by the school or visiting when it’s empty.

Maintain routine

Try to establish and stick to a consistent morning routine to reduce anxiety and make the transition back to school smoother.

Be proactive

Address school refusal as early as possible, as it becomes more challenging to overcome the longer a child is out of school.

Remember, the goal is to help your child feel comfortable returning to school while addressing any underlying issues that may be contributing to their reluctance.