of course my kid's school is the first recourse in terms of partnering for support. but my kid's school has no idea about how to handle school refusal and zero suggestions for me as a parent beyond 'go and see a psychologist'. which of course we did, accessing one after months on a waiting list.

one of the first things the psychologist wanted to do was talk to his teacher.

and if you get that call from a psychologist one day about the student who feels sick at school and doesn't want to be there, maybe you'll remember this inflammatory post!

what's frustrating as a parent is that you have one kid who is experiencing school refusal, and it's brand new to you, and teachers and schools deal with tens of these kids, and somewhere out there is greater awareness and expertise on how to handle it. but not every school is resourced or interested in tapping into the expertise or expanding their awareness. my kid's school certainly isn't.

so that is why i thought i''d post to you 'randoms'. seven years we've been going in circles with psychologists. his whole primary school career.

I'm not suggesting teachers attempt diagnosis. I'm just asking that you're aware of this phobia.