Skipping school

My child is a truant!

Why doesn’t my child go to school? What can I do about it and what does the future hold? These and other questions are asked by many parents whose children skip school. Basically, it is important to distinguish whether it is a one-time matter or whether the child is regularly absent from school. In principle, parents have a responsibility to send their children to school regularly, even if this is not always easy. Since education is a valuable commodity and most people only have a chance in the job market if they have a good education or at least a degree, parents must ensure that their children attend school. On the other hand, substantial fines can be imposed if parents fail to do so.

What can you do if your child is truant?

It is very important that you confront your child directly if you suspect that he or she may be skipping school. Often, direct confrontation is the best course of action. If your child has only been absent from school a few times, a solution can usually be found and the problem fixed. However, if you turn a blind eye to the problem, the condition will worsen over time, and in the worst case scenario, your child may become a truant. When students realize there are no consequences for their behavior, they are tempted to continue the behavior. In many cases, this is purely provocative behavior along the lines of “How far can I go?” Be honest with your child. Feel free to admit that you skipped class once. Ask the reason for the truancy, don’t allow flimsy excuses, but take the issues raised by your child seriously. Bring your child to and from school in person the next day. If you feel your child has missed more than one day, talk to the classroom teacher. This way you can find out how your child is doing. If your child has stopped going to school because he or she is being bullied or is afraid of classmates or teachers, you also need to talk to the classroom teacher. If no solution can be found, you may also consider changing schools. Also read: take your child to and from school in person the next day. If you have the impression that your child has missed more than one day, talk to the class teacher. This way you can find out how your child is doing. If your child has stopped going to school because he or she is being bullied or is afraid of classmates or teachers, you also need to talk to the class teacher. If no solution can be found, you may also consider changing schools. Also read: take your child to and from school in person the next day. If you have the impression that your child has missed more than one day, talk to the class teacher. This way you can find out how your child is doing. If your child has stopped going to school because he or she is being bullied or is afraid of classmates or teachers, you also need to talk to the class teacher. If no solution can be found, a change of school can also be considered. Read also: A talk with the class teacher is also necessary. If no solution can be found, a change of school can also be considered. Read also: A conversation with the class teacher is also necessary. If no solution can be found, a change of school may also be considered. Read also: Recognizing giftedness in children