Hi @Sunshine_85 ,
Thank you for sharing what has been going on for you at home. It must be so disheartening to watch your children stay home instead of going to school. Unfortunately, it seems that school refusal or school can't is on rise. There are many parents in the same situation. It sounds like you have done what you can to support your 15 year old such as enrolling him into trade school.
For some students, once they get into a habit of not going to school, they find it difficult to go back and face their peers. They would've also missed out on a lot of work which means they would find going back quite overwhelming. Have you asked your boys why they don't want to go to school? What would happen if they have a fresh start in a new school?
Also, have you been in touch with the school to talk about your children's school can't? They may look at a re-engagement program for them such as getting them onsite to speak to a counsellor/wellbeing team, and slowly integrating them back into class - starting with a few hours at a time? These are all options schools are open to. But I hear your older one won't speak to anyone... would your younger one talk to someone?
Here are some articles on school refusal that you might like to have a read through. ReachOut also have a free service that provides 1:1 parent coaching that you may want to check out as well. You can find more info here.
As difficult as things are for you right now, it is important you have supports for yourself. Self-care is so important at this time.
