Does My Child Show School Refusal?

Before going to school, does your child refuse to move?

Before going to school, does your child complain of pains or illness, which often get better if you let your child stay at home?

Before going to school, does your child hide under the bed covers?

Before going to school, does your child beg or plead not to go?

Before going to school, does your child start crying or have tantrums?

Before going to school, does your child show high levels of anxiety?

Based on your answers, it’s unlikely that your child shows school refusal. That is, of course, positive news. School refusal occurs when a child gets extremely upset at the idea of going to school. This distress is persistent. School refusal is a name for an emotional and/or behavioral problem, and not a formal psychiatric illness. Besides, school refusal is not the same as ‘wagging’. Children who ‘wag’ are most of the time not interested in school, have behavioral problems or don’t like authority. In your child’s case, there seem to be no reasons to worry.

Based on your answers, your child may be displaying one or more signs related to school refusal. When a child shows school refusal, it gets extremely upset at the idea of going to school. This problem may be linked to depression, worries about leaving home, separation anxiety, or other issues. School refusal is unlikely to go away by itself, so professional help is needed. Visit your doctor, he will probably talk with you about a treatment plan for your child. Without help, your child risks poor school performance, social problems, and school drop-out.

Unfortunately, your child is displaying various symptoms typically seen among individuals who show school refusal. School refusal occurs when children get extremely upset about going to school, and they really won’t go. As a parent, you can deal with this problem by creating a calm morning routine, a ‘boring’ home environment, and rewards. Work together with school staff to help your kid get back to school. CBT and other treatment options may help your child with overcoming school refusal. Talk with your doctor about the issue and follow his recommendations.