Is your child struggling to get to school? In this bonus episode, psychologist Dr. Carolyne Keenan explains emotion-based school avoidance — why it’s very different from truancy, how anxiety fuels avoidance, and what parents can do to help.

We explore:

• The difference between truancy and school avoidance

• Why avoidance eases anxiety short term but worsens it long term

• How parents can validate emotions while building resilience

• Practical strategies for supporting children with school anxiety

• The importance of parental self-care and co-regulation

Whether your child is anxious about school mornings, coping with big emotions, or navigating neurodiversity and sensory sensitivities, this episode offers guidance and hope.

📌 Learn more about Dr. Keenan’s self-paced online course for families at https://www.carolynekeenan.co.uk/

👉 Subscribe to Mind Cake for more conversations on mental health, resilience, and well-being.

#SchoolAnxiety #SchoolAvoidance #ParentingTips #ChildMentalHealth #MindCakePodcast