When anxiety keeps your child from attending school, it can be a challenging and stressful experience for the whole family. This episode provides evidence-based strategies to help you support your child and break the cycle of school refusal.
Understanding the signs of school anxiety
Clinical and school psychologist Dr. Stephanie Launer explains how to recognize the signs of separation anxiety at different ages. You will also learn why physical symptoms like stomachaches and headaches are often a manifestation of anxiety in children.
The anxiety-avoidance cycle
In this episode, Dr. Launer discusses the anxiety-avoidance cycle and how it reinforces and fuels school refusal. Understanding this concept is the first step in helping your child face their fears in a supportive way.
Strategies to support your child
This episode offers practical, actionable strategies to build your child's confidence and create positive associations with school. Key strategies include:
- Building positive associations with the school through low-stress visits and playdates
- Creating a "coping kit" with comfort items like mints, fidget toys, or encouraging notes
- Using confident, affirming statements to show your child you believe in their ability to cope
- Partnering with school counselors and staff to create a support plan for your child
Recommended reading for parents
For parents interested in a step-by-step guide, Dr. Launer recommends the book Helping Your Child Overcome Separation Anxiety or School Refusal by Andrew R. Eisen and Linda B. Engler.
You will also learn when it's time to seek professional help and what effective treatment options, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), are available.
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