Receiving an education is a privilege and teaches us how to interact with the world surrounding us. Nonetheless, for all kinds of reasons, many children find it hard to see the purpose of going to class and end up despising it. Although this is a common reality, school remains mandatory, meaning that as a parent, it’s important to make sure to handle this situation when it arises. While there is no miracle solution to get someone to love school, here are a few ways to help your child adopt a more positive attitude towards it.
Listening and Understanding
Many factors can push students to view school negatively, but whatever the case may be, it’s important to take it into consideration when helping them. If your child doesn’t want to go to school, it’s because something causes their nervous system to act in the face of danger. Therefore, forcing them will only aggravate this feeling. Rather than that, try to discover what is creating the blockage. Try asking them:
- What emotions are you feeling?
- What triggers these emotions?
- Is there something happening at home that triggers these feelings?
- Can you trace these feelings back to a specific memory?
- What actions can I do to help?
Your child might have a hard time voicing their concerns but remember there’s still a valid reason behind their feelings, you might need to dig a bit deeper. If they have difficulty expressing themselves directly, try asking them to rate different parts of their usual day at school (i.e.: classes, recess, lunch, talking with their classmates, talking with their teacher, etc.). This way, they have the liberty of sharing without feeling on the spot.
Rewiring Your Child’s Mindset
Once you understand why your child feels the way they do, the next step is to help them change their perspective. Try encouraging a more positive discourse about school:
- Ask your child what their favourite part of their day was.
- Talk about the things you used to enjoy when you were in school.
- Make them do a list of the things they enjoy the most at school
Having this kind of dialogue sheds your child’s preconceived notions and makes it easier for them to change their attitude. You can congratulate them on small victories, whether it’s getting ready on time or simply facing their fear and going to school!
In Cases of Bullying
If you think your child’s dislike from school may stem from more serious reasons, try getting in contact with their teacher or their principal if needed. If the situation worsens, contact a psychoeducator or a psychologist as soon as possible (most schools usually have a designated specialist that can help).
Rules and Routine
Even if school can be triggering for some children, it’s important not to give in to their fear and to still make it clear that they must go. A way to do so is by using vocabulary that indicates no other choice (For example, saying “Get ready for school” instead of “Are you ready for school?”).
In the morning, promote a calm routine so that they can be at ease going to school. However, make sure your child respects it. If you’d like, together, you could make a poster for their bedroom and write all the steps to their routine, so they know exactly what to do.
Does Your Child need a tutor?
Having a hard time understanding certain subjects can play on our interest in school. Tutoring can help consolidate notions and make learning fun again. If you think your child may need tutoring services, do not hesitate to contact us, or fill our registration form.
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Going to school comes with its challenges, but eventually, it equips us with lots of knowledge and so many tools that your child deserves to have too!