The school year is just a month in and school refusal is at an all time high – leaving school professionals and families alike desperate for support and solutions.
School avoidance has been on the rise in recent years, especially exacerbated in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. After experiencing remote learning for a majority of their education, many aspects of school in person are unknown and scary. At Decade2Connect, we see multiple families experiencing school avoidance and work to best support both the student and family. Through providing families support and hands-on skills, as well as coordinating with the school care team, our goal is to reintegrate them back into school with a sense of hope.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to addressing school refusal. However, here are some general strategies we encourage parents to implement that can be helpful in handling school refusal:
Identifying the Underlying Cause
The first step in addressing school refusal is to identify the underlying cause. Talk to your child to understand why they are refusing to go to school. Is it due to anxiety, academic struggles, or social difficulties? Before trying to fix the problem, take a minute to understand the pain your child’s facing.
Develop a Plan
Once you have identified the cause, work with your child’s school and mental health professionals to develop a plan you can engage in with your child. This plan might include accommodations, such as modifications to class schedules or homework, or therapy to address the underlying emotional issues.
Establish a Routine
Establish a consistent routine for your child that includes regular wake-up times, meal times, and bed times. This can help them feel settled, in control and will help reduce anxiety. Incorporating these routines create a foundation to begin integrating a consistent school routine.
Take Baby Steps
Encourage your child to attend school regularly, even if it is just for a short time. Baby steps are okay and actually a useful small step to take when the overall goal feels impossible. As they acclimate to small chunks of time, gradually increase the amount of time they spend at school. This will help them adjust and suddenly a full day of school won’t look so daunting.
Provide Support
Provide your child with emotional support and positive reinforcement for attending school. Celebrate even the small achievements of simply showing up or making it through a class! Recognize and affirm their efforts and achievements, and provide opportunities for them to socialize with peers outside of school. Deepening connection with peers may increase your child’s desire to go to school.
The clinical team at Decade2Connect sees children dealing with school refusal on a daily basis and is a valuable resource in supporting your child. Give us a call at (303) 674-6681 if you need additional support – we’re here to connect your child with themselves, their family and their community!
