10 Ways To Help Kids With School Phobia

10 Ways To Help Kids With School Phobia. It’s back to school and so many parents are excited that their young ones are going to school. It is quite a norm though, that some kids find it hard to be left alone at school with no family member. While some take only a few days to adjust, others is a problem that can go on for years.

It can be very frustrating and sad for the parent to see their child feel that way about school. Here is how to help a child who has school phobia.

1. Talk To Your Child

Sometimes a child won’t communicate what they are feeling until they are asked. Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to fill in the blanks, rather than ones that require a yes/no answer. For example, “What makes you most upset when you are at school?”

2. Identify Learning Obstacles

Determine if poor academic skills or a learning disability are contributing to the problem. Fear of failure is one underlying cause of school phobia, even for children who are doing well.

3. Provide Reassurance

Keep reminding your child that he will be OK. Use your own behavior to convey this too by not unintentionally show signs of worry.

4. Designate An Ally

Finding a teacher or other trusted adult in the school who can serve as a resource for the child when he is experiencing anxiety or needs help with a problem.

5. Help Foster Friendships

Help the child develop friends at school by inviting kids over for playdates or enrolling your child in clubs, sports, or after-care programs.

6. Assess The Schedule

Ensure the child has opportunities for success at school and can engage in some activities that she enjoys.

7. Empower Your Child

Explore some different strategies to help bullied kids to take back their power, but don’t hesitate to involve a professional too.

8. Use Rewards

Use a behavior modification system to reward the child for attending school. On the other hand, avoiding fun activities when your child is at home because of refusing school.

9. Intervene When Necessary

If real threats exist at school or in the neighborhood, take steps to address the problem. Keep in mind that “bad bullying advice” abounds.

10. Seeking Counseling

Get counseling from a mental health professional for any family issues that may be impacting the problem.