Introduction
Everyone has a bad day at school once in a while. You may have
had a fight with a friend, or you may have bombed a test. You
may think, "I hate school, and I'm not going back!"
Then the next morning, things seem better and school doesn't seem
so bad after all.
But maybe you feel like school is horrible all the time - maybe every day. By learning more about school stress, you might be able to have less of it or even stop it, so read on to learn more.
Why Do Some Kids Hate School?
Disliking school is sometimes because of a problem with people.
A bully may be bothering you, or a kid you don't like may want
to hang around with you. You and the teacher may not get along.
You may feel different or that no one understands you. You may
not have many - or any - friends.
Sometimes it's a problem with your classes and schoolwork. Maybe the work is too easy and you get bored. Or maybe the work is too hard, or you don't feel as smart as the other kids. You may be getting farther and farther behind, and it may seem like you'll never catch up.
There are many reasons why kids may dislike school a lot or a little, and finding out why may be an important part of solving the problem.
Spotting the Signs of School
Stress
Even though you may worry about school in your brain, it can put
a lot of stress on your body. That's why many kids who say they
hate school get a lot of headaches. Tummy troubles can also be
a sign of stress, whether it's nervous "butterflies"
or wanting or needing to throw up.
Having trouble sleeping is also a sign of stress. And if you're not getting enough sleep, you probably feel grouchy and tired during the day. Feeling tired makes your school day seem even worse!
Some kids who have too much stress have a hard time making decisions. In the morning, you can't decide what to eat, what to wear, or what to pack for lunch. You don't want to go to school, so you put off getting your stuff together. And now you're not prepared to go to school, and you've just missed the bus - again!
Although it may seem as if staying home from school makes you feel better and takes the pressure off, it just makes it harder to go to school the next day.
Putting the Cool in School
Why bother with school, anyway? Here's the reason: an education
is the way to get what you really want in life. Think about all
the choices offered at school. Besides math, reading, and science,
there's art, music, sports, and clubs. School clubs are a good
way to meet the kids who like the same things you do - and to
meet kids in other classes and other grades. Maybe you can even
start your own club!
And where else are you going to find so many kids your own age? There are opportunities for you to make friends, especially if you find someone who's interested in the same things you are.
Learning to Help Yourself
You may be able to tackle many school problems on your own. Try
keeping a journal by writing down your thoughts and feelings every
day. You don't need a fancy writing book; an ordinary notebook
or diary will be fine. You can even pretend you're writing to
a secret friend. It's a great way to let out emotions that may
be stuck inside you. And unless you want to share what you've
written, a journal lets you keep everything private.
With some problems, you may need to ask for help. For example, if you hate school because a bully is making your life miserable, then it's time to talk to someone.
Your mom or dad or a relative,
teacher, principal, or guidance counselor will be able to help
you if you feel constantly picked on or teased. If another kid
ever hurts you physically, it's important that you tell an adult
right away.
Do fractions leave you feeling confused? Does your spelling workbook
give you a super-size headache? Don't suffer by yourself. Teachers
want and expect you to let them know if you're having trouble.
Tips for Making School Tops
The next time you find yourself
disliking school, try this:
* First, write down everything
you don't like about school.
* Then make a list of the good things you enjoy (even if it's
only recess and lunch, that's a start!).
* Now, what can you change on the "don't like" list?
Would remembering to do your homework help you feel more confident
if you're called on in class? Could you find a way to show off
your special interests and talents?
If you made just one new friend, would you feel less alone? If you helped someone else feel less alone, would you feel even better? What activities could you get involved in that would help you meet new friends?
Of course, you may not be able to change everything on your "don't like" list. A bully may not simply disappear. Reading may always be a challenge. But that's OK. Focus on what you can change instead. School could turn out to be cool after all!
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
- Excerpted from "WHAT
TO DO IF YOU DON'T LIKE SCHOOL" at
http://www.KidsHealth.org