When Children Refuse School

School refusal behaviour is a common and difficult problem facing parents of children and teenagers. It can have severe consequences for a child's academic, social, and psychological well-being. A child's absence from school can also significantly increase family conflict.

This parent Workbook is designed to help parents work with a therapist to resolve the child's school refusal behaviour. It outlines four possible treatment procedures that may be prescribed by a therapist, depending on the child's reasons for refusing school. Scientific evidence has shown these programs to be highly effective in treating 5-17 year old children who exhibit school refusal behaviour.

Regardless of whether the child refuses to attend school to relieve school-related distress, to avoid negative social situations at school, to receive attention from their family members, or to obtain tangible rewards outside of school, the flexible treatments will help overcome school refusal behaviour. The Workbook describes what can be expected during the child's assessment and treatment and provides answers to questions about the process. It also provides instructions for continuing certain
aspects of the program at home, including relaxation and breathing techniques and exposure exercises to decrease anxiety. Instructions are given for completing daily logbooks to track progress, creating a morning routine, and developing written contracts to encourage school attendance.