When your child is very unhappy about going to school, he feels the same way that you do when you're very unhappy about going to work. He opens his eyes in the morning and thinks, "Oh no, I have to go back there." His stomach churns and he tries to think of ways to avoid doing what he'd really rather not do. Unhappiness about school grinds down a child's spirit and has the same effect on his parents. You need to find out what's making your child unhappy and help him to solve his problems so that you can all start your days with a smile on your face.
Ages 6 to 8
During these ages, when a child says he hates school, his relationship with his teacher is rarely the source of discomfort. He may be unhappy about something that's happening outside the classroom. Perhaps he hates the bus ride to school: The noise, the roughhousing, and the threat of being pushed around by the bigger boys and girls can be scary. Remember that recess and lunch hour may also be a daily ordeal for shy, quiet children who don't have likeminded friends to play with. Try to determine what part of the school day your child doesn't like and why. Then discuss her worries with her classroom teacher, who should be able to help ease her distress. Here are some solutions for typical problems.
On the bus
Start a "bus buddy" program in which you pair older, responsible kids with younger kids for the ride to and from school. You might also have adult volunteers hop aboard to ensure that all the kids feel safe and secure.
At recess and lunch hour
Include more organized games or activities that give all the kids something to do. This will lessen the time that a shy child may be left standing alone.
On the way home
The walk home can be scary for a child if other children tease or bully her. If bullying is the issue, talk to the principal-bullying should never be tolerated. Also talk the situation over with her teacher. The teacher may know of another child who travels the same route home and could suggest that the two travel together.
Page 1 of 4 – Read page 2 to find out about kids ages 9-11.
