6 Tips for Helping Your Child Overcome School Anxiety

Key Takeaways

• School anxiety-based avoidance is a genuine, challenging issue, not defiance

• Small, gradual steps tend to work better than forcing attendance

• Consistent routine and open communication with school help

• Support from a counsellor can help both child and parents

Understanding the Challenge

School anxiety-based avoidance is an incredibly challenging issue that many young people face, and it can be just as difficult for parents trying to support them.

Six Practical Tips

• Stay calm and curious rather than frustrated about mornings

• Keep communication open with the school

• Build in small, achievable steps rather than expecting full attendance immediately

• Validate your child's feelings without reinforcing avoidance

• Keep routines consistent at home

• Seek professional support if avoidance persists

Is school anxiety the same as school refusal?

They're related — school anxiety can lead to avoidance, and persistent avoidance is often called Emotionally-Based School Avoidance (EBSA).

Should I force my child to go in?

Forcing attendance without addressing the underlying anxiety usually backfires — gradual, supported steps tend to work better.

Ian Smith, BSc Hons, BACP Accredited — Wellbeing Practice, Poundbury, Wimborne & Online