In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Trust Me Mom,I sit down with Dr. Elena Merenova, a school psychologist with over 20 years of experience, to unpack a topic many parents quietly struggle with — why kids refuse to go to school.

Is it just a phase? A hidden problem? Or something moreserious like school phobia?

Dr. Merenova shares real-life stories, practical strategies,and deeply insightful advice to help parents understand, support, and empower their children.

00:00 Introduction & Meet Dr. Elena Merenova
02:00 What is school refusal vs school phobia?
03:30 Real-life example: When a small issue becomes a big problem
06:50 How rare is true school phobia?
08:30 Who should be involved in helping a child?
11:20 Case study: Severe school phobia and recovery journey
18:30 Why small steps and celebrating wins matter
21:00 Peer influence vs parental influence (age 12+)
25:30 What to do if your child has “bad influences”
28:00 Mild school refusal: boredom, stress, and lack of motivation
30:20 What if your child is bored at school?
32:40 Social struggles and isolation at school
34:40 Teaching kids that “boring is part of life”
37:20 How parents shape mindset and resilience
39:40 When boredom becomes something more serious
41:40 Depression in children: signs, causes, and treatment
46:20 Parenting by example: what kids really learn
48:50 Key advice for parents dealing with school refusal
50:50 Why forcing kids (even calling police) is NOT the solution
51:10 Learning disabilities and confidence issues
53:30 How to build confidence in your child
55:50 Finding what your child is good at
57:00 What if your child is depressed?
58:10 Parenting reflections: what to do differently
01:00:30 How to build trust with your child

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