throwing up daily before school

[Nazish0102]

My daughter is 7 yrs old. We recently moved from one state to anohter and she has begun at a new school. She used to throw up before going to school in the past also, but now it has become a daily thing. She is fine on holidays. I get calls from the school to pick her up and when she is home she is just fine. I understand it could be adjustment issues etc, but it has been almost a month now. Tell me what to do?  

[margypops]

Sounds like there is a problem at school as she is okay at home, perhaps it is because she is new ,has she made friends yet ask her specific questions , like, ' Do you like your Teacher" How were lessons today"  get a feeling for the atmosphere there, have they got access to the Bathrooms when they need it and plenty of activitys so they done get bored.This may pass as she gets used to the school more, could be simple nervousness as she is a 'new Kid' good Luck

[jdtm]

Since this behaviour has occurred in both school situations, it stands to reason that your're dealing with more than just an adjustment issue.  "Throwing up" prior to school is a sign of anxiety - I'll bet there are other signs as stomach aches, difficulty sleeping at night, not mixing with the other children at school, perhaps toileting and eating issues and even frustrations and tantrums.

Anxiety is a physical, emotional and mental issue which engulfs a child/adult when that person feels out of control.  I suspect your daughter feels "out of control" when confronted with school but not at home.  That is why she will not display these behaviours during vacation.  At this point, your daughter is unable to control her fears/anxieties but with proper treatment, she will learn how to manage these fears (and it is possible that she is not even aware of her own fears/issues/anxieties.

I might suggest you google the term "childhood anxiety" or "easing school jitters" or "school refusal" or similar phrases to find additional information about this issue.  You might also wish to talk to your family doctor about certain aspects of her disorder - perhaps he/she might be able to offer additional help.  If the doctor feels that your daughter might need additional help, then ask for a referral to a specialist who is experienced in anxiety issues.  

One more thing - instead of picking her up from school when the teacher calls, would it be possible that you (or another person she knows well as her father) remain in the school or her classroom until the end of the school day.  By bringing her home, you are only reinforcing this behaviour instead of helping her deal with the anxiety of school.  Hope this helps ....

[Nazish0102]

Thanks a lot for your replies margypops and jdtm

Yes, I am aware that this could be childhood anxiety and an adjustment problem. the very first time this happened in this city was the very second day of school and when I went to pick her up I asked the school office if I can stay in the school while she attends her classes, but they brought her out of the clinic (actually she was sitting in the school clinic) and when I asked her if she feels well enough to go to the class she refused.

I really intend to discuss it with her doc this time, We'll be taking her there very soon for her well child. Also, I forgot to mention this is a hilly area and she has had similar bouts while in the car too. So she also has motion sickness.

I try to get an idea of her fears etc but she denies anything like that. In fact one of the days (last Friday) she seemed obviously happy when she woke up and even said I am really excited to go to school today but still threw up before the bus arrived. Even if she doesnt eat anythig she still manages to throw up whatever she can. It is embarrasing and difficult of course.

I hope to find a solution at the next doctors visit (hopefully). Your comments really helped,

Thanks a lot!

Nazish

[margypops]

Sounds like Car sickness, try to get her to eat a light breakfast a half hour before you go to school, my Daughter had it when ever we went out in the car and she was fine later, to me that sounds like all it is. Sometimes car sickness lasts a few years but my daughter grew out of it eventually.