Then consider some solutions, always making clear to your child that school attendance is highly important:

• If this is a “one time thing,” give your child a strong warning. Work with him on a set of consequences should it happen again.

• If friends are talking him into skipping school, help him practice saying, “No, this isn’t right for me.” Sometimes role-playing, with you pretending to try to get him to cut school, and him practicing ways to say no, can be help.

• If there is a school problem, get the school involved. Meet with your child’s teacher to try to get to the root of the problem and come up with some ways to help your child.

• If your child is cutting school because of family problems, is abusing drugs or alcohol, or is in danger of hurting himself or others, consider professional help. Ask a teacher, counselor or doctor for advice or where to turn.

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