Tools & Resources »

School Refusal

Also: School Refusal

What is the number one thing I can do as a parent to support my child who is experiencing school refusal? Avoid letting your child stay home from school, or leave school early. If your child contacts you frequently to come home, set a limit and only respond one time per day (if at all). Work with the school to create a clear plan. The school will reach out to you if there is an emergency situation requiring your attention.

What are the options available to support my child who is refusing to attend school?

1. Request a meeting with your child’s school team. School personnel, such as your child’s school counselor, the school nurse and other educators can help. Ask them to help you make a plan to get your child to school and to support keeping them there throughout the day. The school team can support you in identifying whether there are issues that can explain the avoidance (e.g bullying, learning issues or more) and ask the school team to develop a plan to address these issues.
2. Ask your child’s pediatrician for a referral to our mental health team for parent coaching. Participants will work with a therapist to engage in evidenced based treatment to address school avoidance.
3. Ask your child’s pediatrician for a referral to our mental health team for individual therapy to support your child in learning skills to address the barriers preventing them from attending school.