Hey @Mumofteenagers,  Welcome to ReachOuts Parent & Carer community! Thank you for sharing what you’re going through. It sounds like getting your 15-year-old to school has been really taxing for you. School refusal is really common and can be incredibly challenging to navigate. It’s understandable that you look forward to the weekends, rather than weekdays. I’d like to also acknowledge your efforts in trying to support your son, by reaching out in the community!    Often the school can support you and your son in returning to school and generate strategies to help. I am wondering if you have spoken to the school about your son? It can also be helpful to speak to others about what you’re experiencing, so I am also wondering if you have spoken to any friends or family?    Sometimes for young people there are other contributing factors that can be causing them to refuse to go to school. I am interested to know if you’ve had a chance to speak to your son about why he doesn’t want to go to school? I encourage you to also explore this topic on School Refusal that includes a number of articles with tips and advice that you may find helpful. In case you are also interested in additional support for yourself, ReachOut offers 1:1 Parent Coaching sessions for parents & carers of children aged 12-18.    I hope this is helpful for you and look forward to hearing from you soon. ... View more

Hi @missymoo13 thank you for sharing more about what you’re going through here. I can't imagine how incredibly difficult this situation must be for you. It's evident from your post that you're experiencing immense pain and worry over your daughter's safety and well-being. Your concerns are completely valid, and it's understandable that you feel overwhelmed by grief and loss.  It's deeply concerning to hear about the domestic and family violence your daughter has experienced and the challenges you're facing in seeking help and protection for her. No parent should have to endure the pain of feeling powerless to protect their child from harm. Your dedication to pursuing legal avenues to recover your daughter and ensure her safety is truly commendable, and I hope you're able to access the resources and assistance you need to navigate this situation. One resource you may find helpful is 1800RESPECT, a national helpline providing support and information for individuals experiencing or at risk of experiencing domestic violence. They offer confidential support and can connect you with local services and resources tailored to you and your daughters needs. Your daughter's well-being is a priority, and I urge you to continue seeking support and advocating for her safety. You're not alone in this journey, please know that there are people and organisations ready to assist you. With everything you’re going through, I'm wondering if you have any current supports for yourself at the moment, whether that be a family member, friend, or mental health professional? Additionally, are there any coping strategies that have helped you get through the difficult emotions this situation has brought up for you?  Please remember to prioritise self-care during this challenging time. It's so important to take care of yourself as you navigate through these difficult circumstances.  ... View more

Hi @CatMaman , welcome to the ReachOut community! It’s wonderful to have you here  Thank you for opening up about your situation. Being a single mother and caring for a teenage daughter is an enormous responsibility, and it's completely understandable that you feel isolated at times. I’m really glad that you’re taking the steps to reach out for support, your well-being matters just as much as your daughters.  I want you to know that you're not alone in feeling this way. Many other parents in similar situations also struggle with isolation and longing for social connection and a break from their responsibilities, like going out for dinners or movies. I hope you are able to connect with such parents and carers here in these forums.  Seeking out support groups or communities is an excellent idea. They can be a great way of connecting with others who truly understand your experiences. Carers gateway might be a good option for finding peer support groups in your local community, and you could also explore their online community. Additionally, it might also be worth searching for local support groups on platforms like Facebook. Sometimes you can stumble upon informal support groups initiated by members of your community. I was also wondering if you have any current supports for yourself at the moment, whether that be a family member, friend, or mental health professional? Are there any coping strategies that have helped you get through moments of isolation? We'd love for you to keep us updated about your experience in finding a support group. And please remember, you're always welcome to reach out for support here whenever you need it. You're not alone on this journey. ... View more

Hey @Van100, I can see how taxing things have been for you. It would be difficult to see your daughter struggling and refusing to talk or get support. I can hear that you’re concerned about losing her curriculum with Euka. Have you considered reaching out to Euka to discuss the current situation and whether there is anything they can do to help?  As Lily_RO mentioned, ReachOut offers free 1:1 parent coaching that may be a support for yourself during this time. I also encourage you to explore Carers Gateway who offer counselling and coaching, and may provide you with additional resources and support. It is really important to look after yourself while taking care of your young person. ... View more

Hi @Confusedmum2007 , welcome to the ReachOut community - it's great to have you here  Thank you for sharing a bit about your situation, it sounds like you're going through a challenging time navigating your son's preferences and balancing family activities. It's completely understandable that you feel anxious when trying to encourage him to participate in family events, especially when you're met with resistance. Finding the balance between encouraging your son to engage in family activities and respecting his preferences can indeed be tricky, especially during the teenage years when autonomy becomes more important. Have you had a chance to have an open and honest conversation with your son about your concerns? It might be helpful to hear his feelings out while also expressing your thoughts on the importance of family gatherings to you. Perhaps there's room for compromise where he feels heard and understood while still participating in some family activities.  In case you’re interested in learning about ways to help your son manage his screen time, I wanted to share two articles from the Raising Children's Network. These touch on tips for finding a balance between screen time with other activities - you can access them here and here.  Remember that every family dynamic is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer to when to let go. Try to trust your instincts and communicate openly with your son as you navigate this phase together. You're doing your best as a parent, and that's something to be proud of. ... View more