Parents that deal with children who have school phobia, undoubtedly have their work cut out for them. It is hard to decide when your child is sick and when there is an issue at school that your child would rather not deal with on that particular day. There could be any reason why the child might be having issues at school. It is important as parents that we do not feed into the child’s need to stay at home. School phobia’s can be difficult to deal with at home as well as at school.
Unknowingly parents add to school anxieties by allowing your child to stay home from school. Once it gets to a certain point, you will begin to notice how much your child is staying home from school. Therefore you are either avoiding or ignoring the issue. When a child complains of illness, the child should be kept quiet and get rest. If you allow the child to do things that are considered fun, such as, playing games, watching movies together, or playing in the yard together, this could be considered by the child to be an award of sorts to stay home from school.
Anxieties can be brought on by bullies, a conflict with teacher’s or from separation anxiety from parents. Do not let the child use minor ailments as an excuse to stay out. Obvious signs of illness are fever, vomiting and diarrhea. A child should stay home for that but not for headaches or things of that nature. Talk with your child about their school fears. If you have trouble dealing with your child by yourself, talk to your family doctor and school nurse and seek their advice.