💡Ask an Expert: Why does my child hate school?

Kids say they hate school for many different reasons. When they hate school it is important to listen to them, validate their feelings, and try to zero in on what is causing this big feeling. [Understood's Home Page]( Question Why does my child hate school, especially during back-to-school time when other kids seem excited?   Expert Answer [Rayma Griffin, MA, MEd]( Kids say they hate school for many different reasons. Children with learning and thinking differences often experience [negative messaging]( from teachers and peers and that can be hurtful and can certainly be a contributing factor for a child’s dislike of school. Kids who struggle academically and socially often [suffer from anxiety]( as well, and that makes facing school more challenging. Tests, homework, “boring” lessons, mean kids etc. can all make a child’s school experience difficult. When kids say they hate school it is important to listen to them, validate their feelings, and try to zero in on what is causing this big feeling. For little kids, it might be just the idea of separating from home that causes feelings of uneasiness and fear. A bus ride or having a locker for the first time can trigger anxiety. Older kids might have concerns about their [ability to keep up academically or to fit in socially]( that causes them to say they hate school. Once you determine what is causing your child’s negative feelings about school, you can work with your child, the school and appropriate professionals to address their concerns in a proactive and positive way. Going back to school and getting back on a good schedule takes work and often heightens anxiety. Listening to your kids and working with them to develop some [strategies to deal with their concerns]( will make the adjustment easier. Check out these back-to-school resources that might help you make your child’s experience more positive. - [Download: Find out why your child doesn’t like going to school]( - [School refusal: When kids say no]( - [How to rebuild self-esteem in the new school year]( - [7 ways to help your middle- or high-schooler manage stress]( Learn more about our expert [Rayma Griffin, MA, MEd]( [Rayma Griffin, MA, MEd]( Rayma Griffin is an education consultant advocating for the rights of children who have learning disabilities and ADHD. She dedicated 40 years of her professional life to working with children with learning and thinking differences in the classroom and as an administrator.   Want to be featured next? You can [submit your questions here]( and our experts might just answer them in future editions of “Ask an Expert.” [Make a Donation]( This back-to-school season, you can help even more kids thrive. Your donation helps us reach more parents who need our expert-vetted resources to help their kids thrive. 100% of your donations fund our resources, not operating expenses. [Make a difference]( Discover what’s possible with Understood [Our mission]( | [Our story]( | [Our team]( | [Our partners]( | experts]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [YouTube]( [TikTok]( [LinkedIn]( [Pinterest]( As a nonprofit, we rely on donors like you. [Give today]( Understood for All Inc, 96 Morton Street, Floor 5, New York, NY 10014, United States Sent to: {EMAIL} [Unsubscribe]( | For more information, please review our [Privacy Policy]( | [Terms of Use](