School Avoidance: Tips for parents with tricky kids.

Some children like getting up and going to school each morning, some do not. If your child is refusing to get up, refusing to do schoolwork, calling you to pick them up early every day, or avoiding school for 2 or more days, your child may have School Avoidance.  

What can cause school avoidance? 

Most school avoidance happens because the child feels some type of anxiety about their school day. These include:  

• Generalized Anxiety 
• Separation Anxiety 
• Social Anxiety 
• Panic/ Agoraphobia (afraid of leaving the house)  
• OCD 
• Or even things such as Emetophobia (fear of vomit) or Germophobia (fear of germs). 

What can I do? 

• Contact the School Social Worker.  There are many ways the school can aid in helping make your child more comfortable during their school day.  Reaching out is always the best first step.  
• Find the Root of the Problem. Actively listen to what your child is telling you that bothers them. You may need to reach out to a counselor or therapist to help your child cope and learn to self-regulate their fears of school.  
• Make Home Less Comfortable. While it might sound harsh, a lot of children avoid school because their home is more comfortable. Limiting T.V., video games, sleep, and playing at home may help make a child feel less comfortable at home. This encourages them to go to school, because it may be more “fun.” When a child stays home from school, it is best not to let them fall right into their comfort zone.  
• Validate your Child’s Emotion. As parents we can get frustrated when dealing with refusal from our child. First, we need to breathe and know that this will pass. Screaming, forcing a child out of the door, and frustration will just cause your child to shut down. Listen, validate, comfort, and reach out to the proper resources.  

School Avoidance takes a team approach. Your child may need time-limited accommodation (504/IEP), a reentry plan (If missed multiple days), or accommodations to make them feel comfortable at school.  All of this exists to help your child receive the best possible education. Reach out! No concern is too big or too small.  

You can always reach out to 1-800-THE-KIDS.