When Children Refuse School: A Cognitive-behavioral Therapy Approach: Parent Workbook: Second Edition

School refusal behaviour is a common and difficult problem facing parents of children and teenagers. The behaviour can have severe consequences by contributing to a child's academic, social, and psychological problems. A child's absence from school can also significantly increase family conflict. If the child experiences anxiety or noncompliance about attending school and has trouble remaining in classes for an entire day, this workbook, and the corresponding therapist guide, can help. This parent workbook is designed to help the parent work with a qualified therapist to resolve the child's school refusal behaviour. The workbook outlines four possible treatment procedures that may be prescribed by a therapist, depending on the child's reasons for refusing school. Scientific evidence has shown these programs to be highly effective in treating 5-17 year old children who exhibit school refusal behaviour. Regardless of whether the child refuses school to relieve school-related distress, to avoid negative social situations at school, to receive attention from their family members, or to obtain tangible rewards outside of school, the flexible treatments described in this book will help overcome school refusal behaviour. The workbook describes what can be expected during the child's assessment and treatment and provides answers to questions about the process. It also provides instructions for continuing certain aspects of the program at home, including relaxation and breathing techniques, as well as exposure exercises to decrease anxiety. Instructions are also given for completing daily logbooks to track progress, creating a morning routine, and developing written contracts to enhance attendance and discourage nonattendance. With this user-friendly manual, the parent can take an active role in their child's successful return to school.