Most kindergarten kids look forward to going to school or a daycare centre. For some, not every single part of the school day is enjoyable. But, generally, kids like to spend time with their friends at school.
On the other hand, there are kids who just dread going to school. For these kids, going to school may become so stressful that they begin to throw tantrums on school days. They usually come up with symptoms such as headaches, stomach pains, or even chest pain.
Before we go on to uncover the ways you, as a parent or guardian, can employ to get your kid to go to kindergarten, let us quickly look at common reasons why your kid doesn’t want to attend kindergarten – and the symptoms you are likely to observe.
Why Kids Refuse to Go to Kindergarten
In Malaysia and all over the world, there are simple identifiable triggers for a kid’s refusal to go to kindergarten in Kuantan. Some of these common triggers include bullying, a death in the family, relocating to a new neighbourhood, staying at home for an extended period of time, etc.
Following one of these triggers, especially if they are associated with the child staying home with you for some time, your child may not want to go to school anymore.
Symptoms of Refusal to Go to Kindergarten
In addition to throwing tantrums on school days and crying when it’s time to go to school, as earlier mentioned, you may get vague complaints like:
- Headaches
- Leg pain
- Nausea
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
It is possible for them to have these problems and may not have anything to do with their refusal to go to school, especially for kids with a medical condition.
However, a good sign to know that these complaints are caused by their refusal to go to school is that they get better later in the morning after your kid understands that he can stay at home.
What to do when your child refuses to go to kindergarten
- Talk with your kid
Have a conversation with your child about what’s bothering him. Be careful not to force the conversation if it doesn’t seem to be making headway. Some kids may not be able to describe what’s going on with them.
However, the goal is to make him understand that he can conquer this problem and that you will be there to help him get through it. - Don’t make staying at home so much fun
Make him understand that if he’s truly sick (especially when he’s throwing those tantrums), he will have to see a paediatrician, stay in bed to rest, no TV or video games, etc.
- Stimulate a Learning Environment
If he ends up staying at home, and you know he’s not sick, make him read his books, study, sit upright at a desk, etc. Get a trusted friend or relative to watch them, if you must leave the home for work or something else.
- Check for Physical Causes
If your child regularly complains of physical symptoms, such as the ones discussed above, have him checked by his paediatrician.
There is a high chance that nothing is wrong with him, but you don’t want to make that assumption and find out that you were wrong. - Enlist support
Finally, consider allowing someone else take your child to school until the situation is resolved. Sometimes, it could be separation anxiety with the mother.
In this case, allow the father, a friend or a relative to take the child to school until he has made a successful re-entry into kindergarten.
In a Nutshell
It is usually disturbing to see your child so distressed about school. In a situation like this, try to remain calm and supportive, but ultimately firm.
If your child attends a Preschool in Makhota Cheras, Kuala Terengganu or any place in the world, follow these tips and there’s a hundred per cent chance your child will overcome this anxiety.