What to Do if Your Son Suddenly Hates School

Knowing what to do when your son hates school can contribute significantly to his intellectual development. Many children hate school for many reasons: Classmates are making fun of them, academic inferiority, loneliness, difficulty waking up in the morning or school is taking away from their playtime. Although some problems are temporary and can resolve themselves with time, you might need to take action to solve the underlying issues.

  1. Identify the Problem

    • You need to find out what it is about school that you son dislikes. Don't make assumptions that his problem could be academic or social. Writing in a 2005 article on the NBC-TV "Today" show website, clinical psychologist and regular contributor Dr. Ruth Peters, excerpting from her book, "Laying Down the Law," advises that having a heart-to-heart conversation with your son is the first step toward identifying the reasons he hates school. Ask him whether any of his friends are also experiencing similar problems to determine whether it is a common issue. Take your time to analyze the problems he suggests and design appropriate measures to help him like school.

    Talk to the School

    • When talking to your son does not yield any concrete results, consult the school's administrators -- principal, vice principal or counselor -- for a detailed evaluation. His teachers can be in a better position to identify his problem. Your son can hate school because he is being bullied. Experts at "Readers Digest" magazine suggest in an article on their website that when a child shows a sudden loss in self-esteem and seems quiet and anxious, he could be a victim of a bully. Act fast by talking to the school's administration to address the issue. If your son consistently complains of a teacher who is unfair or mean to him, have them meet to discuss. " 'Having the teacher and child sit down for lunch together can often improve the relationship,' observe[d] Carole Kennedy, former president of the National Association of Elementary School Principals," in the "Digest" article.

    Encouragement

    • If your son hates school because he finds a particular subject challenging, or has trouble making friends, encouraging him is the best solution. He should find inspiration in your actions. Listen to his views and show him that you understand his weaknesses and strengths. Tell him that his classmates are also facing challenges in tackling other subjects. Get involved in his education by visiting his school often and helping him with his homework. Explain to him gently that school is mandatory, and education opens up a bright future. A nonprofit, public benefit corporation that works on developing and operating California charter schools, Innovative Education Management, stresses on their website that you are your son's primary educator; it is your duty to teach him the values that will make him appreciate school.

    Afterschool Activities

    • Children have better feelings about going to school when parents and families involve themselves in their children's education, according to a 2005 study report published by the U.S Department of Education. The activities you share with your son after school or during the weekend can build his confidence and make him appreciate going to school. Get his views on the activities he enjoys. If he can̵7;t think of any, you can let him choose, maybe sports, art, music or nature. You can accompany him to your local library and read some story books or make some drawings or paintings together. Remind him that he can only enjoy these activities after school.

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