Staying at home causes isolation
The causes of school dropout differ per child. “Some have autism, giftedness, trauma or come from an unsafe home situation.” At Kennemer Kids they get what they really need: a good conversation instead of an extra book with sums.
Stevan, tells NH about his son Peter: “He entered puberty in four grammar schools and became completely entangled with himself. Puberty is a time when you learn to discover yourself, but for him it became a struggle. It manifested itself in panic attacks at school. During breaks he locked himself in the toilet, and eventually became deeply depressed.”
Previously, there was no suitable place for children like Peter, so they were often forced to stay at home – sometimes for years. Berkhout emphasizes: “That is extremely harmful. It affects their self-confidence, brings isolation and gloom, and some even become depressed. In serious cases they even stop eating.”