- Telling you they have a physical ailment
It’s a classic move for a child to use the “I have a belly ache” scenario to avoid an unwanted school day, but what if it’s more than that.
Some children who are dealing with a tough social situation at school, or having academic problems, for example, may manifest physical symptoms from the stress.
When your child complains of a headache or stomach ache, check in with them about how they are doing with their friends and academics to see if there may be more to the story.
Try to go into the conversation without assumptions about their condition. Let them know you are available, even if they aren’t ready to talk right away.