Getting the child to go to school may be a daily ordeal of waking up the child, forcing them to dress up and go to school. You might think their attitude is normal as it is a common reaction of people who prefer sleeping longer in the morning. Try talking to the child and find out the reasons for their obstinate refusal to attend school. At school, the child may display signs of worry and concern over their parents. They lose concentration in the classroom and refuse to take part in school activities. They avoid extra-curricular activities so they can go home and be with their parents as soon as possible. They may show signs of depression, reluctance to interact with other students and have a low self-esteem in academic activities. They will avoid all events, occasions and activities that will keep them away from their parents longer than usual. Although these behaviors may be indicative of a separation anxiety disorder, do not rule out the possibility of other illnesses. Talk to the school authorities, teachers, and classmates to get their observations and opinions on the attitude and disposition of your child. Their feedback may help you and the doctors in assessing your child and determining the underlying problems. Remember some children hide their problems from their parents out of shame, embarrassment, fear or some other reason and it is up to the parents to identify the problems and help the child through the healing process.
Going to a doctor’s clinic and having a check up with the doctor may appear straightforward and simple. Be on your toes if the child refuses to see the doctor alone. This could be a danger sign considering that you are in the adjoining room and the child still refuses to enter the clinic without you. However, take note that people are normally nervous when they see a doctor and this may be the same situation with your child. They might be wary that the doctor will inject them or subject them to some physical examination that could hurt. Talk to your child and try to understand the reasons why they refuse to see the doctor alone. Be calm. Be inquisitive and persistent. Have you child undergo regular checkups with your family doctor. Symptoms may vary as the child grows up. The doctor may be able to monitor the child’s progress and determine if the child is normal or undergoing some form of disorder.
Constant observation and discussions with the child may help catch any disorders in the child. It will certainly strengthen the bond and relationship between parents and child. Trust and confidence in one another will grow in that relationship and the child may feel secure in opening up their emotions and feelings to the parents. If the child remains unusually quiet or does not communicate actively, exert more effort in establishing a close bond between you and the child. Phobias can be caught in the early stages and prevented from becoming serious problems.
Join forums and social groups with your children. Exposure to other people may help the child overcome separation anxiety disorders. The child may feel comfortable with other people and treat them as an extension to the family. This attitude may help dispel fears of not being with their parents. Do not over-protect your child. Allow them to mingle with others.
