Download: Find out why your child doesn’t like going to school

As a parent or caregiver, it can be tough when your child turns to you and says, “I hate school!” Or asks, “Do I really have to go?” Their feelings about school are pretty loud and clear. But the tricky part is figuring out why your child feels this way. This two-page worksheet can help. 

Have your child check, circle, or draw everything they don’t like about school. Then have them do the same for all the things they do like. 

Afterward, talk together about everything your child included. Explore their feelings, and try to understand the “why” behind it all. For example, “I see that you don’t like reading out loud in class. Can you tell me more about why you don't like it?” 

Try to connect the things they like to the things they don’t like. For example, “You say you don’t like sitting at your desk, but you like recess. Maybe we can talk to your teacher about what might help you during class.” 

This worksheet isn’t here to solve your child’s feelings about school. But it’s a great way to start an honest conversation with your child about school. Depending on what you learn, you may want to connect with your child’s teacher, too. 

Learn more about how to help kids cope with school refusal.