Why do kids skip going to school?
Students miss school for a wide range of reasons, but a study by the Johns Hopkins University pinpointed three broad categories.
The first category identified is because of circumstances or obligations:
- Illness is the first and foremost reason for non-attendance, including chronic conditions such as asthma.
- Housing instability may also be a reason.
- Family obligations, such as care giving for other family members.
Tackling poor attendance
Parents are key to improving education attendance rates because they are ultimately responsible for making sure their children get to school every day. Monitor your child’s attendance and recognise that sporadic absences add up. Students can still fall behind if they miss just a day or two every few weeks. Your child’s absence is also disruptive for the rest of the class.What can parents do?
Learn to watch for signs of absenteeism and set a few simple rules to help ensure your child misses as little school time as possible:- Set regular bedtime and morning routines
- Lay out clothes and pack school bags the night before
- Help transitions to new schools by introducing your child to teachers and new classmates before school starts
- Don’t let your child stay home unless they are truly unwell. Complaints of stomach or headaches can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home
- If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counsellors or other parents for advice on how to make them feel comfortable and excited about learning
- Have a backup plan for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, neighbour or friend
- Avoid medical appointments and extended trips during school time