Wellbeing

Helping Your Child Overcome School Refusal: Morning Tips for a Smooth Start

Starting a school day can be tough, especially if your child is struggling with school refusal. It’s not easy for either of you, but with some helpful tricks, getting from home to school can be a bit smoother. Here are five tips to kick off the day on a positive note:

1. Stick to a Morning Routine

Kids do well with routines. Having a consistent morning routine can ease anxiety and make your child feel more secure. Try setting specific times for waking up, getting dressed, eating breakfast, and heading out the door. Keeping to this schedule can make mornings less hectic and more predictable.

2. Keep Bedtime and Wake-Up Times the Same

A good night’s sleep is super important for your child's well-being. Make sure they go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on the weekends. This helps regulate their body clock and makes it easier to wake up in the morning.

3. Have a Goodbye Ritual

Come up with a special goodbye ritual to signal it's time to go. Whether it's a unique handshake, a hug, or a fun phrase you share, these rituals can make leaving less scary and give your child something fun to anticipate each morning.

4. Prep the Night Before

Cut down on morning stress by doing as much as you can the night before. Lay out clothes, pack the school bag, and get lunch ready. Handling these tasks ahead of time can make mornings less rushed and more relaxed, letting your child focus on the good parts of the school day.

5. Encourage Open Talks

Chat with your child about how they’re feeling and listen to what’s on their mind. Encourage them to share what’s causing their school refusal. Understanding their worries can help you support them and figure out solutions together. Let them know their feelings matter, and you’re there to help.

We hope these tips help you create a calmer, more positive morning for you and your child. Remember, patience and sticking with it are key. If school refusal keeps being a problem, think about reaching out to your child’s teacher or the Well-being Team for more help.