There has been little research into school phobia. However the consensus is that the basis of school phobia is most likely separation anxiety. Once in school the child is usually well behaved and does his work. Overprotective parents may unwittingly contribute to the problem. Then child may lack self confidence.
A change of schools, bullying or teasing by other students, a very strict teacher or a learning disability can also be a part of the problem. You can find a school phobia and fear treatment and cure.
You should insist your child go to school everyday. Unless the child has a fever send him to school. Be aware that most schools will not allow a child to stay in school if they are vomiting or have diarrhea.
Does the child have friends? Does he spend overnight t friend’s house, play at someone else’s house? If so their problem is likely not separation anxiety.
If it appears the problem IS school related, meet with school officials to see what can be done to help ease your child’s fears. It may be as simple as changing the child’s seat. Asking for a different teacher may worsen the problem. He will have to get used to another teacher and a whole new group of classmates.
Keep your child home only when one or more of the following symptoms are present:
– repeated vomiting
– toothache
– frequent diarrhea
– constant coughing
– earache
– fever over 100 (or 37.8c)
Mild cold symptoms should not keep her home from school.
Talk to your child about why he doesn’t want to go to school. Ask him exactly what it is about school that bothers him. Ask him what bad things can happen to him there. Reinforce that he needs to be in school and everyone there is going to protect him.
Do not allow a child below junior high school level to watch the morning news. War, a school shooting, a criminal on the loose in your area will only reinforce the idea that she needs to stay close to mom and dad.
If there has been a change in the family dynamics our school age child may be reacting to that. Divorce, remarriage, a new baby, or a death, loss of a pet or a sibling going off to college can all turn her world upside down.
By this point you are wondering if there is anything that you can do to help your child through this difficult period in his life. There are several steps you can take that work with most school children.
Be sure your child goes to school every day. This is the surest way for your child to get over her fears. Getting back into the routine of being in school will lessen the physical symptoms your child has been experiencing.
If she wakes up late send or take her to school anyway. School attendance is a non-negotiable rule. Don’t give in. Reassure her that she will be fine in school. If she misses the bus have a plan in place for someone to drive her to school.
Talk to your child about what makes her so afraid of being in school. Let her know that you understand but insist she go to school. This strategy should bring about a school phobia and fear treatment and cure in a few weeks.
For more information on cure go to http://www.symptoms-of-anxiety-depression.com
