7 year old daughter won't go to school

[alfiesmadmother]

Does anyone have any experience of their child suddenly being terrified to go to school. My daughter screams and cries, it has been going on a month now. Up until now she has been happy at nursery and school. She has also refused to go to her dancing lessons and won't join in any more. SHe is very anxious too about things like if we might crash the car. This is such a hard stage.

No experience, but you and your dd have my sympathies.

Can't think though that this would have come out of the blue for no reason.

What is she afraid of? What does she think might happen? What does she say when asked?

What happened a month ago - or whenever it was that this began?

Something must be at the root of this, and you need to identify what it is. Then you can begin to address.

It sounds like she might be worried about something happening to you while she's out. Has something happened (maybe to the relative of a friend or classmate) that might have made her worry about being away from you?

apparently around this age they suddenly become aware of mortality and the fact that one day everyone will die. It's quite common for children to suddenly go through a phase of not wanting to be away from you in case you die when they are away (morbid, but true). It will pass, just reassure her about her fears.