Going to school is usually an exciting and enjoyable event for young children. However, for some it can cause intense fear or panic. Parents should be concerned if their child regularly complains about feeling sick or often asks to stay home from school with minor physical complaints.

Not wanting to go to school may occur at any time but is most common in children ages 5-7 and 11-14, times when children are dealing with the new challenges. These children may suffer from a paralysing fear of leaving the safety of their parents and home. The child's panic and refusal to go to school is very difficult for parents to cope with, but these fears and behaviour can be treated successfully, with professional help.

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry