TherapyWorks

Changing Lives

  • About
    • Our Therapists
    • FAQ
    • TherapyWorks Cares
    • Fees
      • Fees
      • Insurance
      • Benefit Verification
    • Careers
  • Services
    • Children
      • Child Anxiety
      • Angry Children
      • Depressed Children
      • Child Trauma
      • Grieving Children
      • Therapy for Autism
      • School + Academic Issues
    • Teens & Tweens
      • Teen Anxiety
      • Teen Depression
      • Angry Teens
      • Teen Trauma
      • Teen Self-Esteem/Confidence
      • Teen Social Skills
      • Grieving Teens
      • School Stress
    • Adults
      • Young Adults
      • Depression
      • Anxiety
      • Trauma
      • Anger Management
      • Stress
      • Work Stress
      • Grief and Loss
      • Relationships
      • Personal Growth & Personal Development
    • Family
      • Managing Step Family Transitions
      • Family Stress / Conflict
      • Divorce and Separation
      • Parenting Support
      • Therapy for Moms and Moms-to-Be
    • Couples
      • Infidelity and Affairs
      • Couples in Conflict
    • LGBTQ+ Mental Health
    • BIPOC Mental Health
    • Group Therapy & Classes
    • SHIFT Coaching
    • Online Therapy Services
    • Community Outreach
  • Blog
  • Better Together Live
    • Better Together Live | Season 2 Episode 3
    • Season 2 Episode 1 | Alsana
    • Episode 1 | Discovery Mood
    • Episode 2 | Good Sam Hospital
    • Episode 3 | Roots Collaborative
    • Episode 5 | NAMI SCC
    • Episode 6 | Empower Professional Organizing
    • Episode 7 | lifeSport Fitness
    • Better Together Live | Episode 8
    • Better Together Live | Episode 9
    • Better Together Live | Episode 10
    • Better Together Live | Episode 11
    • Better Together Live | Episode 12
    • Better Together Live | Episode 13
    • Better Together Live | Episode 14
    • Better Together Live | Episode 15
    • Better Together Live | Episode 16
    • Better Together Live | Episode 17
    • Better Together Live | Episode 18
    • Better Together Live | Episode 19
    • Better Together Live | Episode 21
    • Better Together Live | Episode 20
    • Better Together Live | Episode 22
  • Contact
    • Join Our List
    • Contact Us
    • Locations & Directions
      • Los Gatos
      • Capitola
      • Scotts Valley
    • Make a Referral
  • Helpful Resources
  • Schedule

School + Academic Issues

Is your child refusing to go to school or having issues at school?  Nearly one-third of all children go through a phase when they don’t want to go to school. This happens most often in kids who are between 5 and 7, and 11 and 14.

They may develop a fear of leaving the comfort of their home and may insist that they feel sick. Their behavior may include any of the following:

  • Anxiety
  • Excessive crying
  • Temper tantrums
  • Refusing to stay alone in their rooms
  • Following the parent through the house
  • Wanting to be held
  • Worrying about the parents’ safety
  • Worrying about their own safety
  • Fears of animals and monsters
  • Inability to fall asleep
  • Bad dreams

If the child is allowed to stay home, they seem to calm down and feel better quickly. Many parents have a hard time dealing with this behavior when it becomes a daily struggle. In many cases, this type of behavior starts right after the child has been at home with the parents for several days or weeks, such as on a vacation, or it may happen after a stressful event or change in the family, such as moving to a new home and school or the death of a family member or pet.

A child who refuses to go to school for several weeks or longer may develop both social and academic problems. If the child’s feelings of fear and anxiety are not addressed, he or she is at risk for developing an anxiety disorder.

Why Do Kids Refuse To Go To School?

Children may refuse to go to school for many reasons. The most common ones include the following:

  • Wishing to avoid situations at school that cause feelings of anxiety or depression
  • Wanting to avoid certain people whom the child dislikes
  • Wanting to avoid situations that cause discomfort, such as taking tests or having to speak in front of the class
  • Wanting to get the attention of family members
  • Wanting to spend school time doing more enjoyable things with one’s parents or family members

What Should I Do If My Child Refuses To Go To School? 

If school refusal behavior lasts more than two weeks, it is important to seek treatment for the child to prevent the development of more serious emotional and academic problems. The following steps should be considered:

  • Meet with the child’s teacher and discuss his or her view of the problem and its causes.
  • Ask the school psychologist to assist with the assessment of the situation. He or she may interview the child and administer one or more assessment questionnaires to determine the causes and recommend a treatment plan.

Depending on the diagnosis, the treatment may include any of the following:

  • Medication to treat an underlying anxiety disorder or depression
  • Relaxation training
  • Positive reinforcement for gradually returning to normal school attendance
  • Individual counseling to explore feelings about negative situations at school
  • Training to develop social and problem solving Skills
  • Parent training to deal effectively with negative behaviors and to reward positive behaviors.
  • Family counseling to help the family manage conflict and communicate effectively

Schedule Now

Offices in Los Gatos, Santa Cruz/Capitola & Scotts Valley

Location & Directions

Our TherapyWorks Team

CEO & FounderClient Care Coordinator

Schedule Now!

Learn More

Follow us

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • linkedin
  • yelp

Recent Posts

The 3 Stages of Burnout (And How to Spot Them Early)

Live Better: Small Changes That Make a Big Difference in Your Mental Health

Therapist-Approved Gift Guide: Thoughtful Gifts for Everyone On Your List

Top Factors Impacting Kids’ Mental Health Today

Suicide Prevention: Resources and Support for Those in Need

The Importance of Mental Health Check-Ins for School-Aged Children: Supporting Academic Success and Well-Being

The Importance of Friendships for Mental Health

Escape Stress: Discover the Best Relaxation Spots in Santa Cruz

Contact

Email:  hello@mytherapyworks.com

LOS GATOS OFFICE
P: 408-508-6789
F: 408-399-8909
A: 334 Village Lane, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Click for Map

CAPITOLA/SANTA CRUZ OFFICE
P: 831-525-5000
A: 519 Capitola Ave. Suite A, Capitola, CA 95010
Click for Map

SCOTTS VALLEY OFFICE
P: 831-525-5000
A: 125 Bethany Drive, Bldg B, Suite 101, Scotts Valley, CA 95066
Click for Map

Happily serving our local communities, including Los Gatos, Saratoga, Campbell, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Capitola, Soquel and Aptos.
Copyright © 2025 Therapy Works of Los Gatos · All rights reserved · Responsive site by Fremont Web Solutions          Sitemap