Parenting Articles

Parenting: 3 Types of Back to School Phobias

Every year at back to school time, I see lots of kids that come down with what I call Back to School Phobias. Here are 3 types of Back to School Phobias and what to do about them.

1. The But Summer was Just So Much Fun Phobia

Some kids have a hard time adjusting to back to school because they have had such a great summer.

If I child has been on lots of trips, or even just one great trip, it's difficult to get used to homework, having to sit in ta seat, etc.

What to do

Time and consistency is a critical factor here. While it is important to be attentive to the upset, you need to hold them accountable and keep them going each day until they get used to it.

2. The You Mean I Actually Have to Study and Work Now Phobia

For many bright kids, their school experience so far has been all they have to do is show up and pay attention to do well and get good grades.

There comes a time, however, when you have to begin to apply yourself by actually studying and working. This can come at any time, age and grade level.

What to do

No need to panic, this is a natural thing. Make sure the kid knows that this is normal. Make sure the student has study skills, and if they do not, teach them.

3. The Genuine Phobia

The real thing often begins with either a bad experience at school or an anticipated bad experience. One of the signs of a true phobia is that the fear is grossly out of proportion to the cause.

What to do

Identify the bad experience or the anticipated bad experience. Sometimes talking it out will lessen or eliminate the fear.

When the above does not work, it's time to get an appointment with the family doctor and to find a counselor that specializes in school phobias.

Do this right away with actual school phobias, because the longer they go untreated, the harder it is to change.

Visit The Top 5 Things to Never Say to Your Teenager, from parenting coach and expert Jeff Herring .