My daughter is not defiant or lazy. She is not mean, weird, or difficult. She has anxiety. She has a mental health condition that makes it so hard for her to get to school and do what is expected of her. She feels a level of stress and worry that is not normal. She lives her life being overwhelmed, overthinking everything, and not seeing anything positive about herself or her life. Although school is important, my girl’s well-being is much more important. So, welcome all children into your classrooms with open arms. Tell them how happy you are to see them. Never assume anything. And appreciate even what seems like little effort from them, as it’s not so little.
School Phobia and Exclusion
Youth Mental Health Canada
