My child is struggling at school and does not want to attend. Do you have any advice?
School refusal happens when a child experiences overwhelming anxiety about attending school. This is often referred to as Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). It can significantly impact not only the young person but also their parents and siblings. For the child, it may lead to setbacks in both academic progress and social development.
How can parents and/or caregivers help?
Parents and/or caregivers play an important role in supporting a child experiencing school refusal. Here are some ways they can help:
Validate their feelings
Communicate with your child to gain an understanding of what may be worrying them. It is important to acknowledge their emotions so that they feel supported and will be more open to communication.
Work closely with the school
Stay in contact with your child’s schoolteachers to keep them updated, express your concerns, and see if they can offer any support or advice.
Seek support
The following links may help access advice and support around school anxiety and/or EBSA.
Young Minds (Advice around anxiety with attending or being in school – may be able to support anxiety at school and difficulty forming relationships)
Not Fine in School (Support around school attendance issues)