Daily Tips for Families

Today's Tip for Families

12-11-2023

How to Handle Common Attendance Excuses

You’ve probably heard them all—every excuse in the book for why your teen should be allowed to skip school. Your student may even have invented some new ones that weren’t around back when you were trying to put one over on your parents.

Here is a list of some common excuses teens use to get out of school—and ways to address them:

“I don’t feel good.” This excuse has been around for as long as, well, school itself. But it is also important to take health complaints seriously. If you think your teen may just be making an excuse, offer a reminder that being sick means going to the doctor or resting in bed without screens—and then making up all missed classwork. If your teen doesn't back down, ask for a detailed description of the symptoms. Check for a fever. Follow the school protocols for suspected illness.
“If I could just sleep for an extra hour, I’d be so much more productive.” Respond that your teen can skip scrolling through social media and videos, and go to bed an hour earlier tonight.
“I have a project due at 2 p.m. that I haven’t started yet.” Make it clear that your teen needs to be more organized. Your teen should never skip one class just to finish assignments for another one.
“My first class is cancelled. The teacher is having a problem.” Send your teen to school anyway. Your teen should use the time to study or work ahead in the cancelled subject.
“We actually don’t have school today. I forgot to tell you.” If this could be possible, call the school to make sure.

Keep in mind that if your teen is constantly trying to skip school, it can be a sign of a larger problem. Ask if something is behind your teen's reluctance. Seek help from your teen’s teachers or school counselor if you are worried.

Brought to you by:

Mott-Regent Public School

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