School refusal presents unpredictable challenges, but once you have worked out what is driving your child’s school refusal behaviour, use these effective strategies to support can improve your child’s situation.

Academic difficulties

• Explore potential learning challenges assess task demands and your child’s self-expectations.


• Regularly engage with your child’s school to collaboratively address challenges and find solutions.


• Consult with teachers to identify three focus areas for your child’s academic or emotional support.


• Remain open to adjusting expectations for school attendance and activities based on your child’s needs.


• Consider allowing your child to opt out of overwhelming activities like public speaking.


• Investigate phased return-to-school plans to gradually increase your child’s hours.


• Explore alternative learning paths such as apprenticeships, smaller classes, or homeschooling.

Social problems

• Collaborate with the teacher to pinpoint suitable peers, ensuring your child feels secure and included.


• Ensure the school addresses bullying, providing ample supervision for your child’s safety.


• Foster your child’s social resilience through extracurricular activities, facilitating diverse friendships beyond school.

Home Issues

• Establish consistent morning and evening routines to foster your children’s sense of security and stability.


• Address separation anxiety by gradually increasing independence and providing reassurance about reuniting after school.


• Create tailored social stories to help children cope with separation anxiety effectively.


• Demonstrate perseverance to your children as you navigate challenging situations together.


• Maintain a calm and predictable home environment to support your child’s emotional well-being.

To learn more about the child psychology you can listen to Susan Woodworth from Walk and Talk Therapy on The Bec Show ever fortnight. 

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