<div class="edit">  <p>Have you experienced multiple weekends with everyone healthy until Sunday night or Monday morning when you hear&nbsp;"Mom/Dad I can't go to school, my stomach hurts?" &nbsp; If you have, you're not alone. &nbsp;Many children experience anxiety about going to school. You can help your child overcome these feelings by taking the following steps:</p>  <ul type="disc"><li>GO TO      THE DOCTOR - The reason behind this is two-fold. &nbsp;One, to rule out a      medical concern.&nbsp; Our primary issue is to make sure your child is not      in need of medical attention.&nbsp; Two, to support the mind/body      connection. When we have ruled out a medical issue, we can reassure the      student that the physical discomfort they are experiencing is due to      anxiety.&nbsp; <br></li><li>Contact your child's teacher - Discuss the physical discomfort your child is experiencing.&nbsp; Work with the teacher to determine if your child is experiencing social issues, academic concerns, and or perceiving events in a manner that is inconsistent with the circumstances.<br></li><li>VALIDATE      THE PAIN - The physical discomfort is real. &nbsp;Our bodies react      physically to stress, real or perceived. &nbsp;Talk to your child about      how the body reacts to stress.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>    </div><div class="row clearfix"><img src="https://d6vze32yv269z.cloudfront.net/f3103840-e490-49bc-a75a-396de61eded5/pages/images/anxiety-7gn0we.jpg" alt="" width="283" height="253"><div class="column full"><ul><li><b>Do not allow your child to avoid school.&nbsp; </b>By allowing your child to stay home you inadvertently reinforce the avoiding behavior.&nbsp; Help your student look for coping mechanisms to work through the situation.&nbsp; Discuss the ways you cope with anxiety, role play using the coping strategies.</li><li>Keep lines of communication open with the teacher and school counselor.&nbsp; Working together we can assist your child in helping themselves.</li><li>Seek professional assistance.&nbsp; A list of a few professional resources can be found on these pages under the outside resource heading,&nbsp; Your pediatrian may also be able to refer you.</li></ul></div>
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Valley View Intermediate School

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