School Life

School Anxiety Tips

If your child is feeling worried about going to school, or you are struggling with their attendance here are some tips to work through together.

Every child is different and these are only suggestions. What might work for one child, may not work for another. If one method doesn't work, try a different one the next day.

It can feel stressful when your child is feeling this way, talk to their school so they are able to help you both.

Tips To Reduce Anxiety

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How Can You Help

Here are some tips for you to try to help you child overcome their difficulties.

Communication

Try to get them to talk to you about how they feel.
Reassure them and let them know things will be ok. Let them know you will work together to find a way forward.
Praise them for making the effort to go to school.
Be a role model – talk and show them how you cope with difficult feelings.

Self Esteem

Validate your child. Tell you child it is ok not to feel ok. This shows them that they are important enough for you to listen to and understand. If your child does not feel heard or understood it can make things worse.
Give positive attention. Your child’s feelings of security and safety come from positive interactions with you. If you smile at your child when they look towards you, or reassure your child when they’re frightened or uncertain, your child will feel safe and secure.

Action

Be persistent and bring your child to school. In time and with the right support it will get easier for them.
Try to encourage them to sign up to afterschool activities.
Try to keep good routines for bedtime, getting up, breakfast, getting their uniform, school bag and equipment ready.
Talk to your child's school and make a plan together.
Read books about other children and young people and get ideas for how they have coped with school anxiety.
Give your child space. Sometimes trying to do anything can make them more anxious, they may need space to calm down.

Need More Support?

Counselling

If your child is still struggling with school anxiety they may benefit from counselling. If your child is over 11, there may be counsel ling services available in the Norfolk area.

Referral For Support

If you are concerned about the mental health of your child you can speak to their school or your GP.
You can discuss if your child needs to be referred to a mental health specialist to get further support.
You can call Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or complete the online request for support form.

Online Course

Discover how to help your child with anxiety. This free course is for parents and carers of children aged 4-11 years. Click the image below for more information and to book your place.

Who Can Help?

Your child’s school will be sensitive to their needs and are there to help all pupils. If you are worried give the school a call to talk about how they can help your child.

You can contact the Healthy Child Programme by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.

If you are 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for confidential advice from one of our team.

For 11–25 year olds Kooth is a free, confidential and safe way to receive online counselling, advice and emotional well-being support.

To speak to other Norfolk parents and carers, you can join our online community forum below.