Life balance:

If kids are struggling with the return to the classroom and mornings are a battleground, it’s time to consider what’s going on

Help children deal with school fears

Is your child anxious or refusing to attend school? Ask them why they feel so unhappy there. They could be struggling with a change of teacher, or have been put in different sets from their friends. If they have transitioned from primary to secondary, they may feel overwhelmed. If these are the reasons, reassure them these feelings won’t last. Remind them of similar situations they’ve faced, such as when they started primary school or began a new activity. Help them identify how they managed to make friends and become accustomed to change. If they preferred being home educated and are feeling separation anxiety, reassure them that this is entirely normal and think of some rewards they can work towards for going in and having a positive attitude to their education. Under-18s have a 99.98 per cent recovery rate from Covid-19, but many children may still see school as a scary place. Explain why they don’t need to worry about Covid-19 and help them think about leading a healthier lifestyle, eating well and being active. If your child is being bullied and left out, take this seriously. Tell them you believe them and that you are on their side, but explain that you need to get involved. Help them make a list of the perpetrators and incidents so you are informed, then speak to the school so that they can support you in dealing with it. Changing schools may be an option – it may seem dramatic, but if it results in a happy child, it’s the correct action to take.