Teachers have noticed sharp escalation of disruptive behaviors in the classroom. There is a rise in : emotional , mental , and behavioral problems in the school.

The schools believe there is a lack of boundaries at home, parents are not home enough do to work, there is a lack of positive role models at home or in the child’s life, more families are divorced and there are millions of single parents raising children and balancing work and other obligations . Children have low self esteem and are seeking attention at school because they are not receiving the attention needed at home .

Aggressive behavior, verbal abuse , property damage , bullying physically and emotionally , disrespect to teachers, social media bullying, stealing , abuse toward teachers , not paying attention , smoking , and more is on the rise .

Family counseling combined with individual counseling and therapy can help modify unhealthy behaviors , teach healthy boundaries to parents and children , learn mood regulation, learn stress management skills , learn to boost self esteem , learn healthy communication skills , build social skills , change negative thinking and behaviors , learn to manage anger at home and at school, teach children problem solving techniques as well as work on creating healthy life skills .

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.