School Refusal Support Eastern Suburbs

Calmr is a supportive space where children and teens learn to manage and master their anxiety. We work closely with families to build steady, practical tools that help kids feel safer in themselves and more settled at home

Gentle Support for Children Experiencing School Anxiety and Stress

When your child refuses to go to school, mornings can feel overwhelming for the whole family.

Tears. Stomach aches. Panic. Shutdown.
You may feel helpless, frustrated, or unsure what to do next.

At Calm & Anxiety Coaching, we provide compassionate school refusal support for families in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. We help children understand their anxiety, rebuild confidence, and feel safe returning to school at a pace that feels manageable.

You are not alone — and your child is not being difficult. School refusal is often a sign that something feels too big or too scary for them to handle on their own.

What Is School Refusal?

School refusal is not simply “not wanting to go.” It is usually rooted in anxiety.

Children may experience:

  • Intense worry about attending school

  • Physical symptoms such as stomach aches or headaches

  • Panic or emotional meltdowns before school

  • Trouble sleeping the night before

  • Avoidance of specific classes or situations

  • Fear of social interactions

  • Distress linked to bullying or academic pressure

Left unsupported, school anxiety can grow. With the right guidance, children can learn to regulate their emotions and gradually return to school feeling safer and more capable.

Bullying Support for Children

Bullying can deeply affect a child’s sense of safety and self-worth.

If your child is experiencing bullying, they may:

  • Refuse school

  • Withdraw socially

  • Experience heightened anxiety

  • Have difficulty sleeping

  • Lose confidence

  • Become emotionally reactive or shut down

We provide gentle bullying support for children in the Eastern Suburbs, helping them:

  • Process what has happened

  • Rebuild self-esteem

  • Learn assertive communication skills

  • Regulate anxious responses

  • Feel empowered and supported

Parents are also guided on how to communicate with schools and advocate for their child effectively.

School Stress Support in the Eastern Suburbs

School today can feel overwhelming for many children.

Academic expectations, friendship challenges, social pressure, transitions between stages of schooling, and sensory overload can all contribute to anxiety.

Through personalised anxiety coaching, we support children in:

  • Understanding what their body is feeling

  • Learning calming and regulation strategies

  • Building emotional resilience

  • Gaining confidence in social situations

  • Developing practical coping tools for the classroom

  • Rebuilding a sense of safety around school

We also work closely with parents, providing guidance and practical strategies to support your child at home.

Our approach is calm, collaborative and strengths-based.

Questions before getting started? Get in touch.