As a therapist, I see many parents struggling with their kids' missed school due to mysterious physical complaints. However, I regularly find that kids' nerves cause their symptoms. In fact, WebMD estimates up to 90 percent of doctor visits are due to stress. The next time your child complains of illness before school, try this!
- Explain simply, "Sometimes when we're nervous or even excited, our bodies feel it before our mind knows that's what's going on. Let's do a check to see if this might be nerves."
- Hold your child or hold hands and guide them in taking three very deep and slow breaths, eyes closed.
- Try to create a calm environment to finish getting ready (reduce noise, stop rushing, etc.).
Your child will most likely feel better before it's time to walk out the door!