My daughter doesn't want to go back to school after summer, what should I do?

That's pretty common when August rolls around and kids start thinking about going back to the routine. I'd say try to understand what's really scaring her or getting her down - whether it's something specific like bullying, academic problems, or just anxiety about the transition. Once you figure out what's worrying her, you can talk to the school or look for professional help if needed, but in general keeping a positive attitude and not making a big deal out of going back helps a lot.

I've got experience with this because my son went through something similar a couple of years ago. What worked was talking to him without pressuring him, asking him exactly what scared him or bothered him about school, and then gradually normalizing the idea, visiting the school together even. Sometimes kids just need to feel like you're really listening to them before facing something new, so I'd say start there.

That's tricky! First thing I'd do is sit down and talk to her without putting pressure on her, you know? Like what's actually scaring her or bothering her about school, get it? Sometimes it's something specific like a teacher, friends or anxiety, and if you figure out what it is, it's easier to help her. It would also help to do something fun during summer that makes her feel more confident, like meeting new classmates or visiting the school together if possible. And well, if it's serious, I wouldn't hesitate to talk to the school psychologist or look for professional help, because that can really make all the difference, honestly.

After 28 years selling houses I've seen plenty of families deal with this and it's way more common than you think. First thing is to figure out what's actually going on, you know? It's not like she just decides not to go for no reason. Talk to her without pushing, at a relaxed moment, maybe while you're doing something together. Sometimes it's bullying, sometimes it's anxiety about changing classes or teachers, or she's just lost interest in school. Really listen to her, make her feel like you care.

Once you've got a clear picture of what's up with her, then you can act. If it's anxiety, maybe it helps to start the year with positive stuff: visit the school together if it's new, meet the teacher, get the uniform ready like it's a special ritual, that kind of thing. If it's something more serious like bullying, you need to talk to the school no matter what 🏫 If the struggle is just adapting or she's scared of the unknown, gradually normalizing it usually works better than making a big drama. And definitely keep your cool, because kids pick up on it if you're stressed.

It's not a good idea to let her skip days or miss school, that just makes it harder to get back. But you can look for compromises: maybe a club after school she likes, or a cool routine at home on school days. Sometimes it also helps to talk to other parents to see if their kids feel the same. It's still summer, you've got plenty of time to sort this out before September, so no need to stress 😊

As a swimming coach I see a lot of this with kids starting the school year, and honestly most of the time it's a mix of anxiety and laziness from leaving the summer rhythm. What's worked for me is talking to the parents so they do something cool together in the last weeks of vacation, something that excites her, so the change doesn't feel so abrupt. And then, once school starts, keep up that routine of activities that make her feel balanced, whether it's sports or whatever she likes, because when they have that outlet they adapt more easily.