Some children refuse to go to school. This behavior, often referred to as school refusal, can grow from anxiety, stress at home, or problems in school. You may notice your child stay home often or complain of stomachaches or headaches before school. You may see tears or outbursts in the morning. Early signs help you act before the problem worsens.
Some children resist school in ways that seem subtle at first. They might complain about headaches or stomach pain just before class. They might ask to stay home on test days or after weekends. Others withdraw more completely, refusing to attend at all. These patterns often signal fear or anxiety rather than rebellion.
Grades may drop. Friendships may suffer. You may hear excuses tied to fear, embarrassment, or anger. These signs point to distress, not defiance. The cause may involve bullying, fear of failure, or trauma. You need to observe, listen, and act. These behaviors suggest deep discomfort with the school setting.
“Mental health… is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.”
Noam Shpancer
PHD
Therapy for school refusal behavior gives children a safe space to speak. A therapist can ask the right questions. Your child may share fears they never said aloud.
Therapy builds trust. That trust lays the groundwork for change.
A therapist can teach coping skills and help set routines. These steps create structure and reduce anxiety. Some children need help facing social fears. Others need tools to manage separation from home. The therapist may also involve you to improve home support.
With guidance, your child can return to school with more confidence.
Families and schools must work together. You should speak with teachers and counselors. Share your concerns. Ask for updates. Agree on a plan. Teachers can adjust routines or provide breaks. Staff can track progress.
Schools may offer special support teams. These teams include counselors and administrators. They meet with you to address attendance. A strong school team helps your child feel safer and more understood.
Your effort at home must match that support. Clear rules and warm encouragement both matter. Together, the school and home can ease the return to class.
School refusal has a cause. You must find it. Anxiety often drives the behavior. Some children fear their peers. Others fear failure. Some do not feel safe. Others do not feel heard.
You should seek a full evaluation. A therapist can uncover trauma, learning issues, or emotional distress. Family stress may also play a role. You may need to adjust routines at home. You may need to resolve conflicts.
Solving the root problem allows healing to begin. Without that step, school refusal may return.
If your child refuses school, contact Alis Behavioral Health. We offer evaluations and therapy for school-related anxiety. Our team works with you, your child, and the school. We help uncover the cause. We help create a plan.
Contact Alis Behavioral Health by calling (888) 528-3860 or using our online contact form.
If you want to learn more about teen trauma counseling, Alis Behavioral Health is here to help. Our team of experienced mental health professionals specializes in providing trauma treatment tailored to adolescents’ unique needs, including support for problems in school. Contact Alis Behavioral Health by calling (888) 528-3860 or using the button below.
