Wanting to stay home from school is most common between ages 5-7 and 11-14.
At these ages, children are dealing with many new challenges and changes.
Children often do not want to go to school after spending a long period
of time with a parent, such as after a long illness or summer vacation.
Children may avoid the first day of school at any grade level, but especially
if the past year was not a good one.
Years when big transitions are made, such as from elementary school to junior
high, may be especially stressful.
Children may avoid school after experiencing a life change, such as parents
divorcing, death of a pet or loved one, or moving.
How can parents and teachers help?
Don't just tell kids that they have to go to school. Give them a good reason!
Explain how going to school will give them chances to learn and do new things.
Help a shy child make friends. Encourage her to join a club or after-school
activity.
Get your child extra help if she is having trouble in school.
Keep up-to-date on a bully situation. Talk to teachers and school counselors
if it becomes a problem.
If possible, try to be home to greet your child when she gets home from
school. This is especially important during stressful times.
Devote time to your child each day.
Encourage healthy behaviors. Help your kids eat healthy and exercise. Limit
TV, computer, and video game time if needed.
What can my child do to reduce stress?
Your child can write down her worries and feelings in a journal or notebook.
Drawing, coloring, or artwork also may help.
Encourage your child to tell an adult when she is having a problem. Teachers
should know if the schoolwork is too hard. An adult should know if she is
being bullied.
Help your child list things she dislikes about school. Talk about which
things she has the power to change. How?
Practice relaxation exercises.
Exercise and eat healthy.
How is anxiety treated?
If your child shows signs of anxiety, talk to her about it right away.
Get a doctor's help if symptoms do not go away.
If left untreated, the anxiety can become worse and continue to cause problems
as she gets older.
Ask your doctor about seeing a therapist,
such as a child or adolescent psychiatrist.
If your child is nervous about starting a new school, take her to visit
the school. If possible, give her a tour. Show her the classrooms. Let her
play on the playground. Visit again if needed.
Let your child know that the school has your phone number.
Talk to your child at the end of each school day. Finding out about a problem
right away can prevent it from getting worse.
Encourage your child to think of a new school year as a new start. Some
children feel anxiety about a new school year if the year before was difficult.
Help your child join activities and clubs where she can meet friends.
When should I call the doctor?
Call the doctor if your child's anxiety keeps her from her usual activities
or upsets her relationships with family or friends.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's condition.
Quick Answers
Some kids avoid school because of problems with teachers, friends, or schoolwork.
Your child might be experiencing anxiety if she has frequent headaches,
stomachaches, nightmares, or is clingy.
School avoidance is most common in ages 5-7 and 11-14.
To help ease anxiety, encourage your child to join activities where she
can meet friends. Get her help at school if she is having trouble with schoolwork.
Encourage your child to tell an adult if she is having a problem.
If your child shows signs of anxiety, talk to her about it right away. See
a doctor if symptoms do not get better.
If your child is nervous about starting a new school, help ease her anxiety
by taking her to visit the new school. Give her a tour.
Call the doctor if your child's anxiety keeps her from her usual activities
or upsets her relationships with family or friends.
References
AACAP. Children Who Won't Go To School. 1997 (cited 2002 April 23). URL:
http://www.aacap.org/publications/factsfam/noschool.htm
Dowshen S. Back to School. KidsHealth. 2001 July (cited 2002 April 23).
URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp.dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=107&cat_id=168&article_set=21754
Intelihealth. Back-to-School Blues. 2000 May 09 (cited 2002 April 23). URL:
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtPrint/WSIHW000/20722/21211/237268.shtml?d=dmtContent&hide=t&k=basePrint
Rutherford K. What to Do When You Don't Like School. KidsHealth. 2001 September
(cited 2002 April 23). URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=307&cat_id=20184&article_set=22357
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