Everything is ready for a school day; packed lunches, laid-out clothes, and accomplished homework. But suddenly, your child is refusing to go to school. Whether it’s a full-blown tantrum or they’re begging you to allow them to keep home, there are a few school refusal tips for parents you can follow that will assist change the mood. And if school avoidance is becoming a behavior that’s inflicting emotional misery for you or your child, we’ve got you covered too.
10 School Refusal Causes
Unfortunately, tantrums or fits to keep away from school outlines a bigger problem. Indeed, a number of underlying causes contribute to a child not wanting to go to school anymore. And often, there isn’t solely one cause;
- Bullying or teasing
- Problems with a teacher
- Conflict with friends or peers
- Poor academic performance
- Problems with household at home
- Death within the family
- Divorce
- New sibling
- Starting or altering schools
- School refusal may even be a symptom of a number of psychological disorders, together with anxiety disorder, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and adjustment disorder, amongst others
6 School Refusal Tips for Parents
1. Act quickly
A missed day right here and there is understandable. Maybe your child is sick, or there’s an unavoidable household event. But a number of absences can spiral, inflicting poor academic performance. Therefore, observe your child’s behavior, particularly their academic efficiency or emotional state, after they return home. If you’ve noticed any changes lasting greater than a day, speak with your child.
2. Ask and listen
One of the best school refusal tips for parents is to open the road of communication with their children. Gently ask with an open heart, “Why don’t you need to go to school?” If they refuse to inform you, break down the school day one half at a time. For example, ask about the bus ride, their teachers, the classroom, lunchtime, recess, and schoolwork. You may even use a chart with emojis to assist them rate how every a half of their school day feels.
3. Analyze home life
As difficult as this tip may be, it’s important to analyze issues at home. Reflect on any recurring issues or sudden changes at home that might have an effect on your child. For example, has there been a death within the family? Or are there issues happening between you and your partner? Or maybe your child isn’t sleeping well? Any change may assist you identify a trigger of a extra complex situation.
4. Create a routine
Since school refusal is a symptom of a number of children and adolescent psychological well being disorders, making a constant or mindful routine will be extraordinarily useful for these with anxiety. In fact, anxious children thrive with predictable routines. Also, take into consideration making a visual chart for your kids to follow and ensuring that morning and night routines are set in place.
5. Speak with the school
How your child interacts with their friends and teachers is key to understanding a possible trigger of school avoidance. Therefore, contact the school counselor and teachers to find out their perspective and supply what you know about your child. Communicating with the school directly will allow collaboration and problem-solving to assist your child overcome any potential anxiety related to the school. For example, if they’re struggling with their school work, you and the teacher can work towards improving their confidence and grades.
6. Set clear expectations
While it’s important to be supportive and empathetic towards your child, it’s additionally simply as beneficial to set clear expectations. For example, in case your child has anxiety about talking in entrance of the classroom, assist them perceive that anxiety isn’t dangerous. It feels horrible, however slowly facing their fears will assist them become extra emotionally resilient. As you assist them overcome their fears whereas being agency about school attendance, they learn how to develop a growth mindset rather than avoiding what feels scary.
6 School Refusal Tips for Teachers
1. Communicate with the parents
If you’re involved about your student’s behavior or academic performance, speak with their parents as quickly as possible. Intervention is extra efficient when supplied with the onset of a psychological well being disorder. For example, ignoring indicators of anxiety or depression can negatively impact their grades, social skills, and life outcomes.
2. Teach psychological health
It’s always higher to show children about feelings and psychological well being from an early age. And thankfully, this topic can be taught at any age. For example, teach them about the brain, the way it functions, and the way worrying feels of their bodies. You can use a toy mind model to engage their attention. Continue the lesson plan by teaching meditation, mindfulness and breathing techniques to assist them course of strong feelings from a younger age.
3. Speak out against bullying
While bullying may appear like an intimidating topic to tackle, there are a few methods to restrict it and assist college students who’re affected;
- Communicate your expectations early. Explain to the classroom the zero-tolerance coverage for bullying and the consequences
- Along with tip #2, teach empathy and kindness. Show your college students how to speak and respect particular person differences
- Speak to the student bullying and the student being bullied. Having private discussions will allow the chances for college students to vent their concerns and obtain help
4. Assess for studying difficulties
Students experiencing difficulties with their academic efficiency may additionally really feel embarrassed or afraid to attend school. But the challenges behind their school work could be due to a studying difficulty. According to The Learning Disabilities Association of America, 60 percent of adults have undiagnosed or untreated studying disabilities. This fact means many children aren’t receiving the treatment and consideration they need. Therefore, keep an eye out for children presenting studying difficulties and speak to their parents to present extra help.
5. Assign peer buddies
Those with anxiety profit from having assigned buddy systems to make friends. Assess what college students you think have shared pursuits or similar personalities and pair them up for sure projects. Having this interplay will assist each college students have higher social interactions and a stronger motivation to attend school.
6. Set up incentive plans
One of the best methods to fight school avoidance is to get creative. For example, arrange an incentive plan like a sticker chart within the morning for every child who attends school. Since school refusal is a common problem, every student will profit from a reward system. Additionally, present particular jobs in rotation for students. Jobs like watering plants, handing out materials, writing the date on the board, or assisting in cleanup will motivate them.
There you have it! 12 school refusal tips for parents and teachers. This list will assist you problem-solve, collaborate, and talk with your children. And remember, tantrums to keep away from school is a symptom of a greater problem. Therefore, present support, empathy, and patience whereas figuring out the underlying cause.
This post contains affiliate links.
If you discovered these school refusal tips helpful, please share it on Pinterest!
And if you’re looking for extra parenting tips, please follow our Parenting board!