Navigating Choppy Waters

When You just Don’t Know What to Do

Everyone misses the occasional day at school. A cold, a family trip, or a mental health day is normal. School Avoidance is different—and it can impact the entire family.

When a child won’t go to school despite consequences or incentives, parents are often left confused and overwhelmed. The stress can affect work, increase pressure from the school, and intensify when a child can’t explain why they’re struggling. These challenges can leave families feeling stuck and unsure where to turn.

Michelle Hoffman is here to help identify the root causes of school avoidance and guide your family toward a clear, compassionate path forward. She’s helped dozens of families—let her help yours.

Flowchart illustrating the process of school avoidance starting with Sunday stomach ache, followed by bribed attendance, teary texts, nurse's office, promised attendance, staying in bed, and ending with flat-out avoidance.
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How Michelle Can Help

  • Open book with a light bulb above it, representing an idea or knowledge.

    Evidence-based Therapeutic Interventions

  • Line art illustration of a family with two adults and one child holding hands.

    Parental Strategies & Responses

  • Line drawing of a school building with a clock and a flag on top.

    Your School’s Role and An Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

  • Icon of a legal document with a scale symbol at the top, a check mark inside a circle, and a signature line at the bottom.

    Massachusetts Educational Laws

  • A simple line drawing of a person sitting at a desk, reading a book

    Reintegration Planning

Michelle’s approach to Addressing School Avoidance

  • Conduct 1-2 sessions with the student to identify underlying issues.

  • Initiate parent coaching to develop effective responses to students’ communication, increase the emotional fluency level of the family, and lower parents’ anxiety over the situation.

  • Work with both the student and the parents to develop a step-by-step plan for resolution. This work includes identifying short- and long-term actionable goals, increasing the student’s coping skills, role-playing various scenarios, and improving overall communication.

  • Supporting parents in school interactions, ensuring all parties have the same objectives to address root problems beyond just getting the child back to school.