S4E16 - Is My Child's School Anxiety a Sign We Should Homeschool?

Episode summary

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose 7- and 9-year-old daughters are experiencing significant anxiety around going to school. We talk about the difference between choosing homeschooling because it genuinely fits a child better versus using homeschooling to avoid an anxiety-producing situation, and why that distinction matters. I also explain how anxiety can show up physically through things like stomachaches or behaviorally through crying, clinging, and refusing to enter school, and how those patterns can grow over time if the underlying fear isn't addressed.

I also talk about the importance of involving anxious children in major decisions that affect them. Kids with anxiety tend to do better with predictability, clear expectations, and some sense of control, so whether a family chooses traditional school, homeschooling, or a hybrid option, communication and buy-in matter. The goal is not simply to eliminate discomfort, but to make a thoughtful decision about what environment will help the child thrive while also addressing the anxiety itself.