Why do kids sometimes refuse to go to school? And what can families do about it, both in the moment and to help avoid it in the future?

In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek hear from Erin, a returning guest whose family has struggled with school refusal challenges for years.  

The hosts also talk with psychologist and Understood expert Dr. Andrew Kahn, who shares some of the reasons that could be behind a child’s school refusal. He also offers tips and strategies for turning the situation around. 

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. 

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org. 

Related resources 

• Download: Find out why your child doesn’t like going to school
• Self-care for kids: 6 ways to self-regulate
• Listen to Erin’s first conversation on In It, about her son’s school refusal journey.

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give