Reviews and Praise

“This book is a must-read for any parent, regardless of whether or not they have experienced school refusal. It offers practical guidance applicable to a wide range of challenging contexts. I was struck by the honesty and relatable situations, especially in the description of differing responses between parents. The authors do not sugarcoat, but they do provide hope and a path forward.” Lara, reviewed September 2024

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More Reviews and Praise

Helpful, practical advice for parents

This book would have been a lifesaver when my son struggled with school refusal! For any parent facing the heartbreak of school refusal, this book is a lifeline. Filled with practical tools, it empowers parents to develop empathy and guide their children through the challenges of school refusal. The book goes beyond mere understanding, equipping kids with coping mechanisms to navigate academic challenges and express their underlying anxieties. It empowers parents to develop empathy for their children's struggles and equips them with practical tools to guide them through this challenging journey.

Toolkit for school refusal

This book is an excellent toolkit for parents struggling with a child who refuses to go to school. The authors provide clear, step by step instructions for engaging in conversations with your child and setting clear and appropriate boundaries. The approach is collaborative, clear, kind, and firm. It's so helpful to have resources and strategies for dealing with this difficult issue.

Honest and actionable

Katie Fowle & Sharoya Ham offer practical and empathetic advice for parents dealing with school refusal. Drawing on personal experiences and professional expertise, Fowle & Ham explore the complexities behind this issue, from anxiety to family dynamics. They emphasize the importance of addressing underlying issues and fostering collaboration between parents, schools, and mental health professionals. With practical strategies and a message of hope, this book is not just for parents. Administrators, teachers, and support professionals will also walk away with a better understanding of how to support students and families navigating the school refusal journey.

Smart and PRACTICAL help

I appreciate that this is written by a parent who has experienced this in her own family. Often the books I read that are written by outside observers just DO NOT understand the daily drain and impact of this challenge on the whole family. The writing is down to earth and relatable. Katie Fowle and Sharoya Ham know what they are talking about. I have already recommended this book to others!

An honest book with real solutions

I direct a program for students with learning disabilities and can affirm what Katie says. School is HARD for many kids and for many reasons. This book is direct, it's real and the solutions are doable. The format was easy to follow, with segments from Katie (the Mom) and Sharoya (the Coach). The areas for reflection are thought-provoking, and the specific bullet points of steps to take were direct and actionable. I especially appreciated the chapter acknowledging setbacks. Thank you for this book! I have recommended it to our guidance counselor and several parents.

About the Authors

Sharoya Ham, M.Ed., is a passionate behavior change specialist, author, veteran teacher, and founder of Embrace Behavior Change. She has helped hundreds of overwhelmed parents learn how to parent calmly, consistently, and confidently. She works with families whose children face educational, behavioral, and relational challenges. Sharoya has helped families overcome school refusal across five continents, demonstrating the global applicability of her methods. She is a sought-after international parent coach who truly believes every family can create the home environment they want - one behavior change at a time.

Katie Fowle, M.Ed., is a dyslexia specialist and co-founder of Global Village Tutors. She's empowered hundreds of students through academic and social-emotional skill-building. Despite her professional success, Katie struggled as a mom when her daughter refused to get out of bed to go to school. Katie wrote her story to empower parents and inform educators.

Workshops & Podcasts

Fairfax County Public Schools Parent Resource Webinar

Help! My Kid Won't Go to School - presentation — 2025 Virginia School Counselor Association Annual Conference Workshop