Why Is My Child Anxious About Going to School?
For the past few weeks, my 5-year-old daughter has been extremely anxious each day when it's time to go to school. Until recently she was doing well at school, but now she's hesitant to go and cries every morning. How can I help her?
– Susan
Because your child initially adjusted well to school and her reluctance to go is new, there may be something new going on, like bullying or trouble with the other kids. In addition to talking to your daughter about school, ask her teacher about what might be going on. Is your child having difficulty with new tasks in school? Is she having trouble seeing or hearing adequately? You'll also want to observe how she interacts with the other kids and adults and whether her behavior has changed in any other way.
Sometimes the reason kids are reluctant to go to school actually has nothing to do with the school. They may feel they're needed at home because a parent is stressed or depressed, or because of something else affecting the family. If that's the case, the answer involves addressing the family issue.
For more information, check out this article:
Helping Your Child Adjust to Preschool
Bullying and Your Child
Talking to Your Child's Preschool Teacher
For Kids: What to Do if You Don't Like School
Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: February 2007
Originally reviewed by: Neil Izenberg, MD
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