Why Is My Child Anxious About Going to School?

Because she initially adjusted well to school and her reluctance to go is recent, something new might be going on, like bullying or trouble with the other kids. Talk to your daughter about how school is going — ask about what she does each day, what she's learning, and what scares her or makes her nervous about school.

Also, ask her teacher about what might be going on. Is your child having difficulty with new tasks in school? Is she having trouble seeing or hearing adequately? You'll also want to observe how she interacts with the other kids and adults and whether her behavior has changed in any other way.

Sometimes the reason kids are reluctant to go to school actually has nothing to do with the school. Kids sometimes don't want to go to school when something big has changed in their lives, like moving, the birth of a new sibling, or a divorce. They may feel they're needed at home because a parent is stressed or because of something else affecting the family. If that's the case, the answer involves addressing the family issue.

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD Date reviewed: March 2010

Have a question? Email us.

Although we can't reply personally, you may see your question posted to this page in the future. If you're looking for medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment, consult your doctor or other qualified medical professional. If this is an emergency, contact emergency services in your area.