My Child Won’t Go to School… What’s Really Going On? (EBSNA Explained)

What do you do when your child won’t go to school… and it doesn’t feel like defiance? In this episode of Psychology, Actually, we explore emotional based school avoidance (EBSA / EBSNA) – why it happens, when it’s most likely to start, and what actually helps children feel able to return to education. I’m joined by Educational Psychologist @Dr.AdamMcCartney and we discuss the psychology behind school refusal, the pressure on families and schools, and why one trusted teacher can sometimes make all the difference. If you’re a parent, professional, or aspiring psychologist trying to understand school anxiety, attendance difficulties, or child mental health, this episode will help you think about it differently. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Why “school refusal” might be the wrong term 01:36 What is EBSA / EBSNA? 04:09 Changing attitudes to education 06:12 Attendance pressure and parental stress 08:52 Why support becomes harder over time 15:04 The most common age for school avoidance 16:42 Secondary school transitions explained 17:38 The power of one teacher relationship 19:01 School attendance pressures and systems 21:27 What parents can do to support their child 22:22 What good pastoral care actually looks like 23:45 Relational vs behavioural approaches 24:41 Supporting children without blame 27:11 Real-life parenting reflections 30:08 Why emotional validation matters Listen to Adam's Podcast, Between Two Psychs: https://www.dradammccartney.com/betweentwopsychs Connect with Dr Adam McCartney here: https://www.dradammccartney.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-adam-mccartney-afbpss-647ab1221/ https://www.instagram.com/dradammcartney/ 🔔 Subscribe for More Psychology Insights! 👉 Never miss an episode: Subscribe now 📚 My Books on Amazon 📖 The Grief Collective → https://amzn.to/4hNHru5 📖 The Clinical Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/3ErIEJs 📖 The Aspiring Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/4jSxc9N 📖 Talking Heads: Stories of Psychology & Mental Health → https://amzn.to/3EvbKaN 📖 An Autistic Anthology: Neuro-Narratives of Mental Health Professionals → https://amzn.to/3WXBpz9 🎧 Stay Connected With Me 🌍 Aspiring Psychologists Website: www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk 🌍 Good Thinking Psychology Website: www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk 💼 LinkedIn: Dr Marianne Trent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marianne-trent-psychology/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodThinkingPsychologicalServices 🐦 Twitter/X: @DrMarianneTrent 📸 Instagram: @DrMarianneTrent 🎵 TikTok: @DrMarianneTrent 📩 Business & Collaboration Enquiries ✉️ Email: Info@GoodThinkingPsychology.co.uk ⚡ Want More? Check These Out! 🔹 Join the Aspiring Psychologist Membership: Learn more here 🔹 Download my FREE Psychology Success Guide: Grab your copy here ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. 💡 Want to support the channel? Like, comment, and share this video! © Dr Marianne Trent