School phobia is defined as anxiety and fear related to going to school.This can lead to prolonged absences from school, developmental deficiencies in academic performance and impaired social adjustment.

Behaviors as possible symptoms of school phobia

Worry about harm to parent.

Reluctance or refusal to go to school.

Physical health complaints on school days.

Distress in relation to separation from parents.

Nightmares re: separation.

Avoidance of being alone.

Trembling, fidgeting, sweating school mornings.

Loss of appetite

Fear of being embarrassed or humiliated.

Excessive anxiety when speaking to teachers or peers.

Separation Anxiety can be exhausting for parents and for children. The child can feel fear and discomfort about going to school. When a parent can not get their child to school, the child may develop educational, social, and emotional issues.

School avoidance or refusal can serve to temporarily reduce separation anxiety, or to avoid settings that might be associated with panic. School avoidance can be used to gain attention for physical complaint’s( My stomach hurts, my head hurts, etc).

Separation anxiety is associated with attention-obtaining behaviors..

Parents that are kind, consistent, and rational that encourage their child to attend school or consistent with most positive outcomes. Expressing anger and frustration will create more negative ramifications.