Five Reasons Your Child is Skipping School

A poor report card, missed assignments, and acting out at home are only a few signs that your child may be skipping school. School absenteeism can lead to a number of problems at home and in a child's social life, and takes away from their potential do well in their educational career for the rest of their lives. Skipping school doesn't always stem from a need to go have fun with friends; many children and teens are trying to escape from anxiety, stress, or even bullying. If you suspect your child is falling behind in their studies and becoming less-disciplined about their studies, there's a good chance they're skipping school because of something discomforting and stressful happening in their lives. Here are just five reasons your child is choosing to skip the books:

1. Poor diet and obesity. A diet comprised of junk food and poor nutrition overall can have a significant impact on your child's health. They can find it difficult to focus and concentrate, and this can seriously inhibit learning. If your child is overweight or obese, this can cause even more problems. A University of Pennsylvania study published in August 2007 reveals that childhood obesity is linked to a greater risk of student absenteeism because children become especially vulnerable to being bullied or outcast from peer social circles. This can create extra stress and anxiety that make it difficult to look forward to school or even try to enjoy it.

2. Anxiety. Anxiety and fear are two of the most common reasons why children decide to skip school; ultimately, they are trying to find an escape from uncomfortable feelings and need to learn healthier ways of coping instead. Anxiety can be triggered by a variety of instances at school; an upcoming examination, changing schools or being required to skip a grade and leave behind old friends, or even just a change in schedule are all prompts for an anxiety attack for children who haven't learned how to manage anxiety in a healthy way. Skipping school then naturally becomes a convenient solution.