Saudi- Children who fear going to school

(MENAFN- Arab News) JEDDAH: At the start of each academic year parents face a common and expected problem their children are afraid of going to school.
After spending five years in the arms of their mothers and siblings children know leaving home means entering a new reality with new teachers and students and waking up early every morning.
This refusal and fear to go to school is common among elementary students. Some studies show nearly 2 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 10 suffer from this problem with the problem more common among girls than boys.
Studies have pointed to some common underlying reasons for this fear among students. These include receiving excessive care from parents between the ages of 2 and 6 years making a child lose confidence and become excessively attached and dependent on parents.
Other reasons include having negative or painful experiences at school suffering from underlying anxiety or the arrival of a new baby which sparks jealousy and makes the child want to remain at home for attention.
Other factors may include adverse reaction to a previous event such as the sudden absence of a parent due to travel or illness as well as marital disputes at home experiencing harsh treatment or bullying at school enrolling the child in school too early unqualified staff and lack of creative tactics by parents and schools to prepare children.
Studies suggest mothers can help their children overcome their close relationship with them. It is also helpful to take students to visit schools in coordination with student advisers to challenge negative mental images and talking to children and ensuring them of constant support. Parents should also be aware that their children's fear could be due to deeper underlying anxiety and hatred.
The Ministry of Education should make schools a welcoming and positive environment for student not a place where they face excessive pressure of examinations a report in a local daily said.
Overall critical factors as studies suggest include holding welcoming receptions at the beginning of the year complete with exciting events and celebrations that will attract students and generate excitement.
As for parents constant reassurance and encouragement of the child is key. Students should not be forced to go to school or punished but rather school should be linked to positive factors and outcomes in turn making them more likely to see their attendance in a positive light.