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My son won't go to school.. im in shit for it

427 replies

Notoschool · 25/01/2022 10:31

My son is 14. He's been refusing school since around September. He's probably been 5 or 6 times since. He gives lots of different reasons such as he does not like the teacher . Or he feels anxious in the class. He hates the lesson. His reasons seem to change.

He has been self harming by cutting himself. He's been offered counselling at school.but as hes not going to school that's not happening. We have asked for help from camhs that was refused. So we have appealed. We found another counselling/support service for young people they are giving him 3 sessions. And that ends. As they are reducing their services. At the moment we have some support from early help but apparently that comes to a close in around 3 weeks.

My son has been very aggressive to the point he scares me. He's done things like smash up the doors in the house put holes in a partition wall. He's also verbally aggressive.

Recently the school offered him part time time table. To start at 11.15 . He agreed with this . Apart from the Monday where he wanted to start at lunchtime. The school refused this . But I really stood up for ds . As I thought this was better than not going at all. I agree its not right but surely a step in the right direction. His body language had changed and his tone. I really thought he was going to do it . So he went to school on the Friday. Come Monday He's refusing again I actually agued his point with the school so now it's made me look really bad and now he's made it impossible for me to have any valued say in a meeting that's going to happen in a few days.

Hes always asking for money to top his phone up. For food when he's out. Or just general things that teens often want . He wanted money Friday. I said once I know your at school I will transfer you money. Then on Tuesday as long as you have been to school on the Monday and Tuesday. I will top up your phone. But he did not stick to this agreement. So I have not topped up his phone. He told me how selfish I am . And said to me things like: "you only have to do a simple thing. It's like you want me to cut." He has said several similar things.

I'm actually frightened that because I'm refusing to give him money or top up his phone he's going to become very aggressive later on.

The school have told me there is going to be a meeting the local authorities will be there. I have been told I can get a large fine. Could get a tag or even go to prison . My son has told me he does not care. I'm told the law says its my responsibility to get him to school but no one can actually tell me how I can get him in school. He's 14 and 6ft tall I can't physically get him there.

I'm really scared of this whole situation. But I feel totally trapped in the situation and don't know what to do. My son just won't engage.

OP posts:
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SomeOwlsCoo · 25/01/2022 11:06

You have my sympathies OP. I've got a 15 year old who's the same, well almost.

His excuse is nearly always a migraine, and as I suffer from them and he's basically a male version of me, I could quite believe him. Sometimes.

OTOH 99% of these migraines are on a PE day and he hates PE. I've asked school for help only to be told "it's your job to get him here and he has to do PE".

Well of course I know that, but it doesn't actually help.

To the PP who said you just shove them out the door... not sure how when they refuse to get out of bed. DS is in a high sleeper, so his bed is level with the top of my head. He's a good 6-7 inches taller than me and stronger. Getting him out of bed would probably result in broken limbs.

LumosSolem · 25/01/2022 11:07

@ElftonWednesday

School refusal anxiety is massively misunderstood. Parents should not be fined for their child's mental health issue, and you can't just make a teenager do something, like a toddler you bundle into a pushchair. Even if you have sanctions, they will take ANY punishment to avoid school.

Engage with the school, GP and local NHS trust and keep records and you should not be in trouble for this.

Agree with this completely- OP you've had some great replies but as usual being mumsnet there are people who respond who just don't get it.

I missed loads of year 8 due to school refusal. I think looking back it was caused hugely by anxiety, feeling hugely overwhelmed. I will try and reply in more detail later but hopefully you will have some more good advice.

I just wanted to say it's NOT your fault, you sound like you are doing what you can, and that I sympathise with your DS too as a lot of that resonates with me. In the end I went back to school, got good results and have a really good job now. It will get better for you both

wherestheremotenow · 25/01/2022 11:08

@Embracelife

Go o the Facebook group " Not Fine In School - " Public Page - School Attendance Difficulties is on Facebook. To connect with Not Fine In School - Public Page - School Attendance Difficulties
This! He sounds vulnerable and stressed. His behaviour is telling you he can't cope - listen and reach out on the not fine in school page.
Zilla1 · 25/01/2022 11:08

That sounds really tough, OP.

HNRTT but have you and your son visited the GP and/or schools involved CAMHS if in England and Wales to try to get to the bottom of the fundamental issue regarding the changing reasons and self-harm. That may begin to provide the basis for justifying your actions to the school and LA, as well and try and get help to manage the substantive issue. If the school have not progressed anything through pastoral then that may give them pause. IF they've invited you for a meeting then attend, make a recording, take a friend, set out the emotional and mental health issues, remind them he engaged until the point when you think the school were unreasonable in the circumstances about the Monday start then try and progress the help that will hopefully resolve the substance of the problem. I'm not under-estimating how long it can take to engage mental health support nor how quickly or even whether there will be a solution.

Good luck.

Notoschool · 25/01/2022 11:10

@Gazelda

Do you think he's self harming as a way to express his feelings about school? Or is it the other way around? Or is there some other reason?

I'm sorry, I know you've said that he gives different reasons every time you ask. But I wondered (and I'm sure you've thought of this) whether you need to get to the bottom of the self harming before you address the school attendance? Although that doesn't help with the potential fine etc. It's definitely something that you need to ask the school refusal panel to consider.

Have you been open with pastoral support about the self harming? Do you feel as though you've tried everything they've suggested? A few things you mention make me think that they've suggested something and you've given in to your DS's excuse/refusal a bit too softly. Completely understandable, but it must be exasperating for the school team and they have to follow procedures to show that they are doing everything in their power to provide his education. I'm sure their hands are tied regarding the attendance panel.

I sympathise. It seems an impossible situation for you and there are too many cut backs meaning vital support is it there for you and your DS.

There I pastrol/counselling in school. But they can't give him that support if he's not there . And he's refusing to go. The school offered this whilst waiting for camhs.

With the self harming. I think its possibly a mix . I do think possibly there is something going on that it is linked with mental health or that he's going through a hard time and does not know how to deal with it. But I also think he's using it as a weapon. Like when he says you could just give me some money. But you want me to cut don't you.

OP posts:
lilikiki · 25/01/2022 11:11

To the “get kick him out the door crowd”

That actually worked on my son for a bit
Until I was still being harassed and couldn’t understand it
He just knocked about outside and didn’t actually go into class

danadas · 25/01/2022 11:11

Just to add be careful before implementing some of the strategies mentioned above (restricting money/phone), we had to firstly have safety meetings with various agencies to agree a strategy to keep everyone safe. Obviously I don't know the ins and outs of your situation but thought it worth mentioning

CandyLeBonBon · 25/01/2022 11:12

@StepAwayFromGoogling

You do sound like you've been enabling his behaviour. Surely you shove him out the door with his achool clothes and tell him to get to school? You don't let him loaf about in the house all day. And you've still been giving him money to go out and top up his phone? So what have the consequences for him not going to school been up to now?
Ffs.
starrynight87 · 25/01/2022 11:13

Could you look into private therapy, I know some therapists offer reduced rates for young people.

shouldistop · 25/01/2022 11:14

@StepAwayFromGoogling

You do sound like you've been enabling his behaviour. Surely you shove him out the door with his achool clothes and tell him to get to school? You don't let him loaf about in the house all day. And you've still been giving him money to go out and top up his phone? So what have the consequences for him not going to school been up to now?
Shove a 14yo who is probably bigger than her out the door? How does she force him to do anything?
Awwlookatmybabyspider · 25/01/2022 11:15

@StepAwayFromGoogling.
Did you not read any of Ops initial Post.
Her son has been self harming. This isn't just a teenage tantrum. This poor boy is clearly ill. If it were an adult not being up to work due to anxiety I'm certain people would be more sympathetic. I'm guessing your kids sailed through school

SpidersAreShitheads · 25/01/2022 11:16

I really feel for you OP.

I've got two autistic DC and school refusal is really common in our community. SEN might not be applicable in your case, but anxiety is a very big and powerful emotion. He's still a child and learning how to handle difficult emotions. He may well be saying manipulative things like "oh so you want me to cut myself" - but that doesn't mean he's also not suffering from anxiety or other genuine problems.

CAMHS are shit. Well, at least they are in our area They're generally just a box-ticking service and the waiting lists are huge. I don't know any child who has received genuine help from CAMHS.

Apologies if I missed this, but have you tried a quiet, sit-down talk with your son? Tell him you're not trying to force him to do something that makes him unhappy. Ask him what he wants. Ask him what the problem is? Would a different school help? Would a different kind of setting be the answer? Traditional school isn't always the best setting for every child, and there are a whole range of different learning pathways. My DC (12 yr old twins) were at school until they were 10, and we've been home educating since. I've learnt so much about different options that I never realised were available before!

Your DS can't sit at home on his bum, doing nothing. And if he's anxious, sometimes anxiety is worse when you feel out of control. It's possible that he doesn't know why he feels anxious, and it's possible that there's nothing at school that's "wrong". Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a well-known medical condition, and can just feel like a constant state of anxiety unless you're in a "safe place" - such as home. Ask him for his input. A quiet, calm conversation - no accusations. Tell him you want him to be happy and safe - and you're happy to listen to his ideas about how the next few years look.

The problem is that you're told repeatedly "you're the parent, you have to get him there" and then you're bashed over the head with threats of fines and prison. It all feels punitive and shouty. Ultimately if he has mental health issues, being angry with him or making threats about school just isn't going to solve anything.

I think it says quite a lot that he went without his phone being topped up, rather than going to school.

There's no easy solution here but you're not on your own. Someone linked the FB group above re Not Fine in School - I would really urge you to join.

Good luck - I hope things work out.

bonnymiffy · 25/01/2022 11:19

I've had a teenager do this - you could me me posting this about 5 years ago.
Unfortunately I had to push for everything, which meant meetings with school, phone calls (daily) to school, CAMHS, social worker, everybody. We had a fantastic Head of Year and Attendance Officer at school (deputy head was worse than useless) who were quite simply my sanity and did what they said they would do and more. DS ended up in a Pupil referral unit, he went in once a week and a tutor came to us once a week. Far from ideal but it was better than not going in.
Of COURSE you can't "shove him out of the door", he's probably bigger than you (DS would have called the Police claiming I'd assaulted him if I'd have tried). I don't have much advice other than keep on knocking at whichever doors you need, daily if necessary and yes, although you won't believe me if I tell you it will get better, yes, it really will (although it could be a while) you're being an amazing Mum already, keep on being you.

OvaHere · 25/01/2022 11:20

I've been in your shoes OP. It's really hard so you have my every sympathy. I was fortunate that school were mostly supportive and nobody ever threatened me with fines or other punitive actions as they could see I was doing what I could.

The main difference between us I think is that my DS had an EHCP and ASC diagnosis which focused minds away from playing the blame game. Anxiety is usually the root of school refusal and the school needs to work with you to figure out the cause and how to move forward.

I hope things improve for you both. Sadly for us they didn't and the entire of secondary school was a write off. Things only changed when he left and went to college. The different environment plus maturity made a difference and he has made more progress in 2 years there than the 5 at school.

Flowers
itsgettingweird · 25/01/2022 11:20

You won't get fined or anything.

You need to stick to the facts.

Also stop calling it refusal. He's unable to attend school due to being ill with MH problems. He is self harming so that's your evidence for that.

Point out factually that he needs help. That you've been refused camhs, other services are only papering over short cracks etc.

Say he needs a full assessment by services to find out why he cannot attend and how he needs to be helped.

All this expecting parents (especially mums with 6ft teens) to forcefully make them attend school is just a ridiculous blame placing game rather than getting to the heart of the actual issue.

I do agree though that he also needs to play his part. And of he's not going to school he doesn't need money or credit so just frame it as a natural need and consequence.

The worst thing though is forcing a child anxious to go to school - to go to school. You need to find out what they were worried about. What does he he want to do with his future? Does he know how to get those qualifications. Could he attend a college that takes students from 14 instead and do some vocational training? Would he engage in online tuition? Look up the rules for children medically unable to attend school. After 15 days the LA are legally responsible for providing alternative education they can access. Or at least offering something and trying. Get some of the professionals involved to put it in writing he has MH problems atm.

Have a look online at groups such as "not fine in school". They have a wealth of knowledgeable parents who have all been through this.

But seriously though everyone needs to stop seeing this as a difficult teenager asserting his authority and rather as a very unhappy teenager who's angry and aggressive and unable to access an education.

Do you think this not doing to school is making him happy? If not - why do you think it's continued for months?

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 25/01/2022 11:21

Also it's all very well saying shove him out the door, but That doesn't mean he'll make his way to school. Confused

Bunce1 · 25/01/2022 11:23

I really feel for you, and I am in no way making a judgement, but what about Dad?Is he supportive?

What about you, what support do you have? Friends and family?

Look up Ross Greene on youtube a Harvard professor, I really rate him. Kids do well when they can.

In the moments of calm, what is he like? Friendships groups? Insterests?

fishfingersand · 25/01/2022 11:26

OP - I second/third the advice to join the FB group Not Fine in School - they are the experts in this area and can give so much advice and support. They helped a friend of mine a lot - can advise on legals/meetings/procedures etc. Plus help with the isolation that makes this horrible situation worse.

Really hope things improve soon for you both Flowers

LumosSolem · 25/01/2022 11:27

This is the other thing isn't it- if an adult is struggling that badly with mental health, very often they will be signed off of work. Where is the actual recognition that kids and teenagers might not be able to carry on with everything as normal when they are struggling? A PP said about her son who hated PE- well why can't that be taken into consideration and worked around at least temporarily?

Teenagers must feel so completely trapped and without options. No wonder it is so difficult for them sometimes.

cherryonthecakes · 25/01/2022 11:27

Some of these replies are from people who clearly don't have teenagers. You can't forcibly wake a 6 foot old teen and get them out of the door in the same way that you can get a 5 year old to school. Not going to happen without someone getting hurt (probably OP) and someone getting into trouble for using physical force (again OP)

Go to the meeting and beg for help. Invite them to come around every morning to pick him up or whatever they suggest. I can guarantee that they won't just shove him out the door because you can't do that with a teen. You've done your best so far and it's their turn to support you. Have them see what he's like in the morning and show them the damage to your house. The services are there to support families like yours. ThanksThanksThanks

tkwal · 25/01/2022 11:27

This is a drastic solution, but it works. You should have been assigned a social worker from your local family support team.you may have to stamp your feet to get one but if you ask the school to support you in your request they will. If you are concerned for your own safety report him to the police. Generally ,if he hasn't been in trouble before he will be dealt with by means of restorative justice/youth justice, this involves work for him and yourself. Him for anger management with an element of counselling, you for moral support and how to deal with his aggression. It's a very difficult step to take but you need to do it before he does himself or someone else serious harm

Lockedoorsopen · 25/01/2022 11:27

OP, at this point I would deregister him from school to protect yourself. There are a lot of facebook groups to walk you through the process.

It sounds like the school are being completely unhelpful. Maybe if he has some time away from school he can gather his thoughts and start collage next year, if your local collage has places for kids that don't get on well with school.

It sounds really tough, its obviously mental health issues mixed with some behavioural issues. Take the pressure of and let him drop out of school - for now before you end up in debt or dragged in to court

oviraptor21 · 25/01/2022 11:29

@StepAwayFromGoogling

You do sound like you've been enabling his behaviour. Surely you shove him out the door with his achool clothes and tell him to get to school? You don't let him loaf about in the house all day. And you've still been giving him money to go out and top up his phone? So what have the consequences for him not going to school been up to now?
Such a rubbish comment from someone who clearly has no idea. Please ignore this OP. (Just to add that if OP was successful in 'pushing him out the door' the likelihood would be that he would roam the streets for the day, self-harming - not ideal huh?)

I have been there to a certain extent (ie minus the cutting which clearly is a huge issue).
Don't worry about "punishments". You are doing your level best to engage with appropriate services but not getting a lot of support it seems.
Your number one priority however has to be supporting your son. Showing him that you have his back.

mummykel16 · 25/01/2022 11:29

Just deregister him then decide how to move forward, pressure from school will never help either of you. Sometimes we need to step back to move forward and threats won't help with that.

Notoschool · 25/01/2022 11:32

@Lockedoorsopen

OP, at this point I would deregister him from school to protect yourself. There are a lot of facebook groups to walk you through the process.

It sounds like the school are being completely unhelpful. Maybe if he has some time away from school he can gather his thoughts and start collage next year, if your local collage has places for kids that don't get on well with school.

It sounds really tough, its obviously mental health issues mixed with some behavioural issues. Take the pressure of and let him drop out of school - for now before you end up in debt or dragged in to court

This is interesting. I thought legally he has to be in school/education. I'm not able to home school as I'm not educated enough. Plus I'm worried that I could trigger other things.
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