Hi @shelby71,
Being a teenager is tough. They have loads going on socially and academically.
Their beautiful brains are re wiring which causes them to sleep more, become moody and do silly impulsive things.
I recommend all teenage Parents to read, The Teenage Brain by Francis E Jensen. This book helped me understand them a whole lot better.
Regarding your daughters behaviour I believe she's grieving the loss of her Dad and coming to terms with adjusting to a new school and new city.
When we moved to a new city my daughter hated her school and all the girls in it! She would come home in a bad mood and ask to go back to her old school with friends she Loved!
We asked her to be patient and to give it a least 6 months. She tried her best to fit in etc but she was unhappy! That's when we moved her to another school and Thankfully we saw a change.It hasn't been all nice and rosie but at least she was able to make friends she could relate to!
You mentioned your daughter was a straight A student and sports champion at her previous school , could the new school be at a higher academic level and this is making her feel not so good about herself!
Has she mentioned she dislikes something in particular?
Making new friends can be really hard at 15, maybe the only friend she has is the girl shes ditching school with.
Is there anyone in your community, family member, a family friend that she feels connected to or enjoys spending time with, that may be able to influence her attend school?
I found discussing what they want to do after they finish school and making clear connections between them really helps them want to try harder and attend school.
I took my daughter to a University open day where she sat in lecture theatres, chatted to Professors and Uni students really helped her want to study harder and set clear goals for her future.
@Lan-RO gave some great suggestions which I found very useful.
I really hope I've been able to help you with some of my experiences.
Please look after yourself, self care is really important.
My favourite thing to do is to walk near nature.
Please let us know how you get on and know you're doing an Awesome job!
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