Does your child hate school? Do you experience tears every morning while getting your child ready for the big day ahead? You are not alone. A lot of parents are in the same boat. But, why? Why do kids hate school so much?
There are many different reasons why children hate school. A lot of children dislike school because they do not like being told what to do all day long. There are then children that are too attached to their primary caregivers. These children are scared and quite anxious when their parents or siblings are not with them.
Another main reason why children feel uncomfortable at school is because they struggle with the academic side. When children find subjects difficult, they often feel worried and nervous in the classroom. This can cause them to dread the day ahead. Another possible reason is that some children do not get along with their peers. Some children might have been bullied or ostracized by their classmates.
With that in mind, we are going to explore the different reasons why children hate school in more depth below.
One of the main reasons why children do not like school is because they are not in control of anything. You don’t have a lot of options with school. You have to arrive when you’re told to arrive. You have to do the lessons that are planned. You have to eat at lunchtime. We could go on. Of course, as parents, we know that this level of discipline is something that is important for a child’s development, but children do not see it like that.
Children can end up feeling frustrated, and they do not like the idea of being forced to do something.
Some children struggle academically, and this makes them dread school
In addition to the fact that children do not always like the structure that comes with schooling, another reason why they hate school is because they struggle with the academic side of it. This may be something that you are able to relate to yourself. A lot of people aren’t academically inclined. This does not mean they are not intelligent. However, education is simply not for everyone, and a lot of children underperform in tests or struggle with the nature of learning in a classroom.
You can help your child by helping them to discover different ways of learning that may appeal to them more. This is something that good schools do as well. They recognize that not everyone learns in the same way. Some people prefer to take notes. Others are visual learners. We all have different ways of working and learning, and a good teacher recognizes this. They also acknowledge that their class is going to be filled with students who are at different levels academically. This is why your choice of school for your child is so important. You want teachers who will adapt and help children to find a method of learning that is right for them.
An overload of information can also put children off the classroom
Another reason why a lot of children do not like school is because of the sheer information that they need to digest. Many students struggle with this, especially those that do not have high attention spans. It can be difficult to retain all of the details you learn within the school day. Everyone is unique in their capacity in this regard, and it is imperative to keep this in mind.
Children feel like they are under pressure at school
The pressure that comes along with school is another reason why a lot of children hate it. As parents, we expect our children to come home with good grades. If our children fail a class, we feel disappointed. Combine this pressure with the one that children feel they are under from the teachers, and it is not hard to see why children can end up hating school.
School can be filled with so many different types of pressure as well. It is not just about the pressure that they experience from an academic perspective. A lot of children also feel the social pressure that comes with school as well. Making friends can be difficult, and children can often fall out about things. Younger children seem to switch their best friend every day! This can be challenging because, at that moment, children can feel like it is the worst thing in the world that is happening to them. It is not until we get older that we realize these things really don’t matter.
Rather than telling children not to worry about these issues, teachers and parents need to make children feel like they are heard. If they are struggling with a certain class, help them find ways to overcome their struggles. If they have fallen out with their friends, listen to them and understand what they are going through. Talk to them and help them find a solution that will make them feel better. After all, when we are feeling down ourselves, we don’t simply want to be told “don’t worry, it will be okay,” do we? Instead, we want to know that we are being listened to and we want someone to help us through the situation. This is what teachers and parents both need to do when children are struggling and succumbing to the pressure.
Bullying in School
What is bullying? Bullying is when one or a group of people – who intentionally hurt someone emotionally or physically.
There are several signs that your child is being bullied in school. A lot of parents either ignore these signs or have no idea at all that this is happening. There are several signs that your child is being bullied at school and these are:
• Your child might have unexplained scratches, cuts, and bruises. When questioned about this, the child will create lies or won’t talk about it.
• Your child might not have friends or might have just a few friends.
• Your child might come home with damaged clothing, books, or other belongings. They might also have missing items such as money or other belongings.
• Your child seems afraid to go to school or ride the school bus.
• Your child creates several excuses not to go to school. Most of the time, your child might complain of stomach aches or headaches.
• Your child might appear sad, moody, scared, depressed when he or she arrives from school.
• Your child has trouble sleeping or suffering from frequent nightmares or night terrors.
• You might notice little to no appetite at all.
• Your child might have lost interest in school. Their grades suffer as well.
If you suspect that your child is being bullied at school, talk with them and assure them. Do not get angry, frustrated, or force them to talk. Try engaging with them and approach subtly. The more you force your child, the more he or she will clam up. Go to the school and talk to the teachers as well to learn more about what’s going on. You can also talk to a school counselor or child psychologist if you notice your child is depressed, socially isolated, or anxious. It can help them process their emotions better and help them heal.
Some final words on children and the reason why they hate school
So there you have it: an insight into some of the different reasons why children hate school. We know that school can be stressful for a lot of children, and that is why we make a dedicated effort at Kids R Kids to ensure that they feel safe and protected so they won’t feel like any of these bad things will happen. If your child is struggling and hates school, it is vital to recognise that you are not alone. A lot of parents are experiencing the same struggles as well.
