At the start of every school year, many children begin to experience anxiety about leaving their families and entering the unfamiliar environment of a new classroom. These children may refuse to attend school, or seek to avoid it all costs. Follow these steps to manage your child's fears about attending school and start the new school year off

Instructions


Talk to your child to understand exactly why he wants to avoid school. Many children do not want to attend school because they fear failure, are bullied by other students, believe their teacher is mean or are frightened about using the school's restrooms.


Express sympathy, and show your child you are supportive and understanding of why she does not want to go to school. Work together with your child to eliminate the situations causing your child's anxieties and fears.


Take your child to his pediatrician so your child's doctor can rule out physical illness and help you to create a plan to help you manage your child's school avoidance.


Tell your child that while you understand her concerns and will work on resolving them with her, she needs to go back to school immediately. The longer your child avoids school, the harder it will be for her to go back. Inform her that state law requires her to attend school.

Consider allowing your child to return to school slowly if he has severe school avoidance issues. On the first day, dress your child as if he were going to school, and then drive him by his school so he can acquaint himself with how his eventual return will feel. On the next day, take him to school for a half day, or have him attend only one or two of his favorite classes. On the third day, he can attend the full school day.


Commit yourself to being firm on school mornings, when many children who avoid school may complain that they do not feel well or do not want to leave the house. When your child goes to school on a regular basis, the symptoms she complains of will likely end.

Request assistance from and discuss your child's case with your child's principal, teachers and the school nurse. Let them know your plan to manage your child's school avoidance and how you plan on easing your child back into school.


Tips & Warnings

If your child wants to avoid school for more than one week, and his fears or anxieties seem particularly strong and unwavering, your child may benefit from a visit with a professional child psychologist.

Your child will try to pressure you to let her avoid school, but it's essential that you return her to school as soon as possible.


When your child is home from school, do not give him any special treatment or treat the day as a holiday. Talk about the reasons why he is avoiding school, and be sensitive to his emotions, but do not serve him special food or take him to places he enjoys.

Do not punish your child for her school avoidance. Instead, use consistent encouragement to get her to return to school.

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