Mental Wellness Wednesday | Is your child avoiding school?

It’s back to school and as a parent you may have noticed your child starting to avoid school or create reasons for why they don’t want to go.

Here are 3 reasons for that and what you can do:

1) Avoidance : Is a social situation causing anxiety for your child? Find a relaxed moment to talk about it with them. A hug helps! It releases oxytocin (bonding/trust hormone)

2) Reinforcement: Is staying at home more fun – which is reinforcing them? Recognize what activities your child is offered when they don’t go to school (gaming, watching TV; etc) and consider the reinforcement for your child.

3) Attention: Sometimes they may feel overwhelmed and need some extra attention from you. Plan an activity in the evening where it is just the two of you so they can feel assured.