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Strategies to help your teen go back to school when they don’t want to.


At home

  • Create a calm morning routine: Prepare uniforms, lunches, and bags the night before. Encourage showers in the evening to reduce stress in the morning.
  • Keep school hours “boring” if they’re at home: No games, no social media, limited phone use. The goal isn’t punishment—it’s to avoid accidentally making home more appealing than school.
  • Learning while at home: If they’re home, support them to do work sent by the school. This prevents them from falling further behind, which can fuel more anxietyWhen teens feel emotionally understood, they’re more likely to listen and more able to manage stress.

Getting to school

  • Consider a different way to drop off your teen. Some teens do better with separation at home, not at the school gate. If possible, arrange for another adult to take them or have them meet a friend on the way.
  • Celebrate the wins! Reward regular attendance with something meaningful, like bonus screen time, a special outing, or choosing dinner.

Working with the school

  • You can ask for learning support or assistance from school counsellors.
  • You can with the school on a gradual return to school with modified hours or subjects.

Getting professional help


Helping your teen return to school is a process—not a quick fix.


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