Self-Help Resources

School refusal information and tools are organized here, with links to additional resources. Children being treated for school refusal may also be struggling with depression or anxiety, or any number of other physical and/or mental health conditions. You may find the self-help information posted under other behavioral health categories for children on this web site to be helpful.

Fact Sheets and Handouts

School Refusal
Comprehensive handout outlining the symptoms, causes, treatment, and other issues relevant to school refusal.

Managing School Avoidance
Tips for parents on managing school refusal.

What to Do When Your Child Refuses to Go to School
Information about the problems associated with school refusal, and what to do about it.

Children Who Won’t Go To School
Symptoms and causes of school refusal.

School Refusal/Avoidance
Information about school refusal/avoidance and the relationship to Separation Anxiety Disorder.

Audio Files

A Minute for Kids Audio Files
Several brief audio files for parents. Topics include bullying, separation anxiety, and more.

Books & Workbooks

When Children Refuse School: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Approach (Parent Workbook)
C. A. Kearney & A. M. Albano

Helping Your Child Overcome Separation Anxiety or School Refusal
A. R. Eisen, L. B. Engler, & J. D. Sparrow

Web Links

Kids Health
Handouts for kids, teens, and parents related to school dislikes, bullying, homesickness, starting a new school, dealing with school stressors, and more.

• Children
• Teens
• Parents

Military OneSource
Information posted under School Transitions/Changes may be relevant when a child or adolescent is having difficulty attending school.

Special Topic: Military Families on the Move

Moving is a part of military family life. Military families have to learn to deal effectively with frequent and sometimes abrupt moves. Moves are often difficult on children, particularly if they have to relocate to a new school middle of the year. Children may be behind or ahead of other children academically. They also are faced with having to make new friends. All of these challenges can sometimes lead to school-related problems. Below are several resources for military families to assist with these transitions.

Military Student
The site focuses on the military child in transition and experiencing a parent’s deployment. Locate tools for parents and teachers about school-related issues, along with a number of other resources for parents, children, educators and military leaders about military families on the move. 

Military OneSource

Information posted under School Transitions/Changes may be relevant when a child or adolescent is having difficulty attending school.