25 December 2023
My child doesn’t want to go to school
Reading time: 2′
If your child frequently expresses their dislike of school, it is time to investigate if this is due to any specific reason that you are unaware of and that they have not talked to you about.
They might feel uncomfortable in their group, be harassed by another child, or dislike their teacher.
If there is no specific reason, a child’s reluctance to go to school might be a sign that they need encouragement. They may feel that they are not doing well at school or that they are feeling accepted by other children as they would like to.
Talk to the relevant authorities to understand what your child may be facing at school daily. Your interest will prompt the teachers to observe them more closely and to make an effort to encourage them.
When talking to your child, present school in a way that inspires enthusiasm. At school, we learn something new every day, play with our friends and have fun, go on field trips! It helps us to broaden our horizons, to mature, and to become more capable in all aspects of life.
If the child is not having a good time at school, this might prompt them to talk more openly and freely about their concerns.
In the evening, before bed, ask them how their day at school was, what new things they learned, and what impressed them.
If they mention another child, ask if they are friends and what they did together at school. Children speak more openly in the evening before sleep and less so when they have just returned from school, and may be irritated, hungry, or concerned about something that’s troubling them.
Suggest that they invite this child over to play one day, and keep your promise if they say yes.
Ask what they like most about school, which activity, which subject, etc. A simple, casual conversation with your child can reveal details about their daily life at school, help you to get to know your child better, and help the child better cope with their difficulties at school.
In no case should you overdo it, especially if you see that the child is hesitating to talk about school. Ultimately, the problems they face are their own, and if they need help, knowing that you have offered to help, they will come and ask for it.
In the meantime, do everything you can to make the child feel better in general. Arrange for them to see cousins or close friends they feel comfortable with, play with them, limit their screen time, and pay attention to your behavior towards them. Avoid being cynical, insulting, or aggressive towards the child, and try to embrace them even in their difficult moments when they might be angry, stressed, or sad.
The better they feel about themselves, the easier it will be for them to overcome any problem they face at school, whether it is with their lessons or with other children. Arm them with confidence, and the rest will resolve itself!