School refusal doesn’t just impact your teen—it affects your whole household. Whether you’re in the thick of it now, or it’s a pattern you’re starting to see, it can be hard to know what actions will actually help.
This is Part Three in our series on school refusal, and here we focus on practical, day-to-day strategies. You’ll learn small steps you can take that help reduce anxiety and make returning to school feel more manageable for your teen.
You can also read Part One (Understanding school refusal) and Part Two (Is your teen refusing school? 3 steps to help without the ongoing battles).
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
- Visit your GP to check your teen for any physical illnesses.
- You can talk about a Mental Health Treatment Plan for up to 10 rebated sessions. (Australia can help with costs of some mental health treatments).
Helping your teen return to school is a process—not a quick fix.
But change becomes possible when you combine emotional support with simple, steady actions.
At Parent Connections, we know that behind every school refusal is a story—and behind every parent is someone doing their best. You don’t have to do it alone.
If you’re looking for more support, resources, or workshops to guide your next steps, we’re here to help.
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