All you need to know about school phobia and child anxiety.

Starting school for a child is quit daunting even crèche is at first, the new environment; the foreign people including teachers, classmates, other school mates and the challenge of making new friends (for some children) may lead to a suffering from child anxiety disorders.

It is normal for children to be scared on their first day of school but this soon weighs off, and in no time they’ve made a number of friends. But what if this persists and getting your child to school becomes a hassle or your child suddenly refuses to go to school? The cause of this may be school phobia when a child is terrified and refuses to go to school even the thought of school makes the child sick. The child clings on to their parent, throw tantrums and develop a habit of following parent around the house and develop sleeping problems. School phobia can also cause child anxiety disorder.

Child anxieties are different and the most common school based is separation anxiety where the child is overwhelmed by the transition of moving from being dependent to sudden independence. Social anxiety which adults can also relate to; when a child needs some sort of social acceptance or assurance, that sense of wanting to belong.  Panic/anxiety attacks these can be scary for parents, perfectionism anxiety and other general school based fears. It is important that parents pay attention to their children; once you see on going signs of this it is best to talk to your child and ask him/her what is it that’s making them not to want to go to school and also explain how it essential it is to go to school. Speak to the child’s teacher and find what could be the problem then find ways or solutions where you can make the feel comfortable and happier at school.

If necessary it would be helpful to seek professional help but remember that giving your child that special attention and emotional support can end any sort of fear and self esteem issues. Keep talking to your child and assure them that they’re loved and is very special.   

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