Illnesses can occur any time of the year and can be compounded by environmental conditions. Teaching children to wear appropriate clothing for the season, wash their hands regularly and steer clear of sharing food and drink can help avoid the spread of germs. This can eliminate some lost class time caused by nagging colds and virus attacks. A balanced diet also can set the stage for a overall healthier lifestyle.
A student's struggles in class may translate to absences because he lacks the desire to attend school. Parental involvement by helping with homework, volunteering in class and highlighting achievements can improve a child's attitude and encourage success. Showing an interest in school work also can enlighten parents about other potential issues their kids may face. Bullying and emotional development issues, such as shyness, also may contribute to the child feigning illness to stay home from school. Your advice, or perhaps discussions with teachers and school administrators, may create a better attitude and school environment for your youngster.
If tweens and teens are skipping school and rebelling at home, parents may need to seek other resources. If your educators work with police to provide school resource officers, request a meeting and ask for an opinion about how to proceed. Police officers have the ability to communicate casually with students to learn about problems, or they can elevate the discussion to address serious matters by describing potential consequences for poor decisions, such as juvenile detention for truancy, theft and vandalism. School counselors also may be able to provide outside resources for professional assistance if the emotional problems are significant. Resolving these issues can lead to increased attendance.
Serious student issues involving truancy and criminal acts can be resolved through the criminal justice system. Parents can contact police and report their child as incorrigible, allowing an investigator to bring in the child to discuss actions and consequences. Officers refer substantial issues to juvenile court, where a magistrate or judge may order placement of the child in a detention or rehabilitation facility. While this is an extreme step, placement will give the student a set schedule of education and counseling, which will improve school attendance and hopefully resolve problems between the child, school and parents.