Homeschooling Deals with School Refusal in Children and Adolescents
Wednesday, March 22nd, 2006By Mimi Rothschild
For some children, refusing to go to school is a plain and simple misbehavior. For many other children however, refusing to attend school is a symptom of a more serious problem. It may not simply be a matter of not wanting to go to school for these children. There are very real fears involving panic and dread associated with going to
school. Refusing school attendance is a problem for about 5% of school aged children. For many of these children, homeschooling may be the best option.
Academic underperformance is one of the problems associated with school refusal. Homeschooling aids greatly with this effect of school refusal. Homeschooling solves this difficulty by removing the stress of actually having to physically go to school. At liberty from the panic and fear associated with school, homeschooling allows these children to reach their full academic potential. At homeschool they can focus on their studies instead of on their fears.
The constant stress associated with school attendance can cause school refusal as well as difficulties in relationships with children and families. The children are constantly stressed out as a result of the panic and fear they associate with school. Homeschooling can help repair these relationships. When children are homeschooled, the major source of stress in their lives has been removed. Consequently, children begin to relate to their peers and families more appropriately once they start homeschooling.
Homeschooling may not be a cure-all for a child with school refusal. The child may suffer from an anxiety disorder or another social disorder that needs to be treated by medical professionals. However, homeschooling can alleviate some of the problems associated with school refusal and can allow your child and the rest of your family to feel normal again. For many parents of children with school refusal, homeschooling is a key part of the solution to the problem.