A common problem that all parents across the world face at a point in time is their child saying, “I don’t want to go to school today”. And the convention, especially in Asia, has been to always scold and force them to go to school anyway.
But, according to certain research studies, it has been found that these apparently normal tantrums might be symptoms of school phobia.
Especially in every Japan International School, where the number of admissions per session is huge, parents today must know the proper approach towards their child if they show this kind of behaviour.
And if not addressed properly, this phobia can grow into a child’s worst nightmare, for which his/her schooling life would turn out to be an utter fiasco.
In fact, not only elementary school kids, but school phobia is a common problem in preschoolers as well. And dealing with them requires a lot more patience, sensitivity, and compassion.
So, every International Preschool Tokyo encourages parents to actively participate in dealing with their children during this time.
In this article, we have stated 5 ways in which parents can come to know and address their kids’ phobia toward school.
5 Ways to Know and Address School Phobia in Kids
1. Stay Compassionate and Understand Your Child’s Situation
Worry can make children and teenagers feel overwhelmed at times. And during such stressful times, talking with them is not the right solution, in fact, they can even try to defend their mental state by getting harsh.
As a modern-age parent, one should try to understand their situation with a little more compassion. When discussions do not help, try comforting and understanding their emotions!
Parents should stay patient, remain calm, and make the children remember that they have always got their back, and they will support them no matter what. Also, helping them to relax through deep breathing can also be a great help during such situations.
2. Interact with Faculties
Another important way to find out about school phobia in children is by having a discussion with their teachers at school. Kids might face bullying or teasing at school.
If you require additional assistance, speak with your child’s teacher and school personnel. The school authorities need to be notified of a bullying scenario or specific academic issues or learning problem that is making it difficult for your child to attend school.
As the faculties are the ones who keep an eye on them during school hours, it is best to discuss such problems with them. Interacting with school teachers will help parents to know more about their child’s behaviour in their absence, which is a great way to know the mental state of your child.
And every school across the world adheres to this and also conducts counselling sessions for kids to overcome such fears if any.
3. Listen to What They are Expressing
Parents often make the mistake of ignoring or not giving attention to their kids when they say something. But this is a great flaw, which might lead to disastrous outcomes in the long run. The side effects include lack of attentiveness, lack of concentration, disrespectful behaviour, etc.
When children or teenagers want to say something, they should be given absolute undivided attention. Allow them time to express their feelings and thoughts and ask more questions to know more about the things bothering them.
Allow them to open up, and pay attention to what they have to say in a calm manner. Studies have shown that children improve a lot when these apparent gaps are being successfully filled-up by parents.
4. Give Time to Your Children
We are living in a modern era, wherein maximum cases, both parents are seen to be working. As a result, the kid either stays at daycare or with some other family members.
They get very little time to spend with their parents, which creates an unusual distance when it comes to speaking their hearts out.
Children and teenagers find it awkward to open up to their own parents, because of not spending enough time with them. In fact, this matter has been addressed by schools all across the world, including schools present in Asia.
Therefore, parents should spend time with their child each day, for whatever span of time it may be. Participate in activities that help both of you to enjoy. Take a walk, cook, dine, play, or simply sit around.
Look for methods to make each other smile and laugh. This maintains a strong and pleasant relationship between the parent and the kid and also allows children to organically open up.
5. Teach Them to Face Challenges
At times, giving advice and solving issues for children won’t be of any help until they learn to face them themselves. So, rather than lecturing them with good advice, and helping them out, teach them to sort things for themselves.
Make them understand that you cannot always be beside them whenever they face problems but give them the assurance that no matter what happens, you will be there to support them.
Assist them in feeling capable. Don’t try to solve their problems for them. Instead, encourage children and teenagers to consider what they can do. Encourage them to pursue their wonderful ideas.
As a matter of fact, many schools have designed curricula where kids are being taught to confront their problems, and handle them in their own way.
This not only plants a seed of confidence inside the child but also makes him/her aware of future problems and how to deal with them.
Also Read: Know The Benefits Of Montessori Preschools
Conclusion
School phobias are difficult to overcome, but this barrier can be achieved if parents are proactive in helping their child process their emotions and using ways to encourage them to attend school.
However, it is highly advisable to seek professional assistance if parents find it difficult to do it on their own. Consult a doctor or a mental health professional if a child is experiencing excessive worry, stress, or anxiety. With the right support, childhood anxiety can be alleviated.
If you are looking for programmes that are student-friendly and boost children right from the very beginning of their academic careers, montessori education can help shapes your child’s future and prepares them for the upcoming competitive world and challenging years ahead.
