School avoidance: helping your child get back to school

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic many parents face: school avoidance. From the subtle warning signs to the emotional rollercoaster it brings, we discuss what it’s really like when a child starts refusing school—and how you can gently and effectively support them back.

Claire Leahy joins Lucy to share her personal experience with her daughter—how the signs crept in before she realised what was happening, what it felt like when she simply couldn’t go, and how it affected every part of family life, including work, stress levels, and relationships.

You’ll hear:

• The early warning signs that often go unnoticed—the drop in confidence, reluctance to go to events like sleepovers and parties, reluctance on mum, and language that sounds helpless and powerless
• What school avoidance looked like in real time—and the impact it had on the family
• What the school did to help, and how this was helpful but not enough to resolve the issue
• The things we tried—yes, including bribery!—and what actually moved the dial
• How we turned things around - the emotional and mindset shifts that made the biggest difference

We’ll wrap up with 3 key takeaways for any parent navigating this:

1. Listen to their language – it tells you everything about how they’re feeling on the inside. Help them to calm it down and use more helpful, powerful language
2. Build their confidence elsewhere – it’s not really about school; it’s about how they feel about school. Grow their confidence in other areas and see this belief underpin the way they approach everything in life – including school
3. Calm yourself first – your emotions, mindset and beliefs set the emotional tone for your child.

If your mornings feel like a battlefield, or you’re lying awake wondering how to get your child through the school gates again, this one’s for you.

As always, reach out if you need any help. We’re here for you.