It’s quite frustrating when you see your child throw tantrums, complain of a stomach ache, or when they tell you that they don’t feel like going to school. In most cases, that could be a sign of truancy or anxiety. Although you feel angry and irritated, it’s important to establish the root cause of your kid’s refusal to attend school. Convincing your kid to love school can be challenging, but you will learn to handle a young kid who doesn’t want to go to school with these strategies.
Encourage Them
Your child is still developing confidence and self-esteem, and there are chances that your kid is overwhelmed with the idea of moving into a new environment. Most kids lack the confidence to mingle with others, and it might cause negative connotations resulting in bad feelings and jealousy. Encourage your child to love school every day through words and actions. Tell them that you love them each day; they come from school, and that way, they will build the confidence to face strangers at school.
Seek Help
Having someone else take your kid to school can help resolve the issue. Emotions run high, especially during the first school days, and it would help if you didn’t have to force yourself to take your child to school. Mothers, especially, go through separation anxiety, and if you get emotional when your kid goes to school, have a neighbor take your kid to school. The professionals at Early Learning Children’s Academy say that you should get help when it comes to providing a safe and nurturing environment for your children. When you seek help from professionals, they will use natural materials to help your child develop intellectual skills and creative abilities, which will help them love school.
Be Open-Minded
Tension will arise when your kid refuses school, and it’s natural to point fingers and blame the school or teachers for failing to take care of your kid. Blaming others doesn’t solve the problem; therefore, keep an open mind and interrogate your child to establish whether they are bullied at school or have a phobia. It would help if you addressed the root cause rather than point fingers.
Engage the School
It’s important to handle the problem head-on; therefore, engage your child’s class teacher, your kid, parents, and all parties involved. Schools have sick bays, and the medical staff always receive tons of complaints from children every day. Take your kid to the sickbay and get them tested while you are watching. If your child doesn’t have a physical illness, then the chances are high that they have anxiety issues. Have the class teacher address bullying and develop a plan to manage drop-offs.
Make Home Boring
Some kids find it hard to settle at school since the home is more fun. As a parent, you have to help them settle in school, and what better way to make home boring. Reduce their screen time and reduce their playtime at home. The idea is to make home boring and school fun. If your kid fakes sickness, give them a sick day but don’t give them treats. Have them rest the whole day, and take away all forms of entertainment.
Be Firm and Kind
Your child is probably stressed, and it’s important to listen as they pour their frustration while remaining calm. Although it can be frustrating when your kid refuses school, it’s advisable to take a firm stand at times and encourage them to face their fears. Teach your kid to stand up to bullies, and in the process, you will be promoting their autonomy and confidence to face fears.
Don’t Argue
Although you are angry at your kid, be the bigger person, and avoid arguing with your child when they deliver the news. Please don’t engage in an immature argument since it won’t solve the problem.
Set Rules For The Days they Skip School
Setting harsh rules will encourage your children to attend school. Establish rules at home that are similar to those used at school in advance. If your kids take a day off, limit their activities out of home, such as playing and shopping. Also, reduce your interaction with your kid, have them do their homework, reduce internet and TV access, and wake them up at regular school time.
Issues to deal with avoiding school must be addressed head-on to prevent future complications. It’s common for kids to come up with excuses, and it’s your duty, as a parent, to listen and find solutions to the underlying issues. With these strategies, you will convince your children that school is fun.