The Hard Shoulder Kids Health Check: School Avoidance
Nov 24, 2025
Aoife Lee, a parenting coach from ParentSupport.ie, shares her insights on tackling school avoidance among kids. She explains how to distinguish between normal reluctance and genuine anxiety. Modern pressures, like busy schedules, contribute to feelings of overwhelm in children. Aoife highlights signs of school avoidance, such as Sunday night fear and emotional withdrawal. She provides practical steps for parents, emphasizing calm communication and collaboration with schools while discussing when a day off can either help or hinder. Seeking professional help is advised when anxiety becomes pervasive.
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Parent Admits To Wanting A 'Couch Day'
- Aoife admits she sometimes wanted a couch day herself, illustrating the normality of needing a reset.
- She frames occasional rest as part of healthy school-life balance for children.
Look For Patterns Not Laziness
- School reluctance usually links to an underlying issue rather than simple laziness.
- Tune into patterns like Sunday fear or weekend ease to spot emotional drivers.
Physical Symptoms Can Mask Emotional Distress
- School avoidance often stems from bullying, academic struggle or social issues.
- Children may show physical symptoms like tummy aches that mask emotional distress.