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[Sgshephs]

Hi, kids girl 11, boys 15 a 16. Single parent.
I keep calm doing creative stuff. I am struggling with my kids device addiction.
Top tip- talk as equals to kids .
Weekends are hard. Family diners.

[Chloe-RO]

Welcome to the forums @Sgshephs !

It's great you are able to keep clam by doing creative things. I hear you are struggling with an global issue - device addiction! 

What are some things you have tried? Do parental timers, internet nannies etc work for you?

[Sgshephs]

Hi, I have tried taking the devices but impossible as they use for school.

I do family things which work well. But once we are back home it starts again.

I like them to self manage and the middle child does. But not the younger and older ones

It is doing my head in a bit
S

[mishm]

Hi there,

I am new to this forum.

i was given this by my girls well-being lady at her high school.

My daughter is 14yoa and has hardly been to school in Term 1 and I believe 4 days in Term 2.

I am looking to get a phycologist soon in which I have got someone I will book with soon.

My girl has been suffering anxiety and some depression since last year.

I believe Covid lockdowns and having covid played a huge part in her well-being.

The loss of her Nan 2 years ago, a huge part of her life was affected as all of ours was and still is.

I guess I wanted to see what other experiences for families are happening and if any advice or thoughts from other families.

I also have an 18yoa boy whose trying to find work but he has anxiety and adhd mild so it is overwhelming having both kids to help and deal with their well-being.  As best I can,

I also work so it can make one quite exhausted and my husband does too.

Apologies I wasn't too sure what to type.

[Chloe-RO]

Hi there @mishm ,

Welcome to the forums. We are glad you have been able to reach out. I hear your struggles in supporting your daughter to go to school. It sounds like there is a lot going on for you and your daughter.

Have you been able to speak to your daughter to talk about why she does not want to go to school? There can be so many reasons for this including:

- anxiety and depression (is this why she does not want to go?)

- friendship issues

- bullying

- boredom

- tiredness (wanting to sleep in)

- fear

- lack of motivation

There can be so many other reasons for school refusal, or it can be a mix of a few reasons. It might be worth trying to work out the WHY (if you haven't already).

You may be interested in reading of this young person's account to see if you can relate to what they are sharing:

Georgia's Story - too anxious to go to school 

You can also have a look at this fact sheet on how to cope with anxiety and school.

You daughter is welcome to connect with:

ReachOut Peer Chat https://au.reachout.com/peerchat

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Headspace https://headspace.org.au/

Also, have you ever discussed your concerns with your doctor? This might be worth doing if you haven't already - just to get a bit of guidance?

We look forward to hearing how you go and whether you are able to get any supports in place for your daughter.