My DD is a very anxious 11 year old her anxiety has amplified during the transition from primary to secondary and since we moved house 18 months ago. She is now refusing school, she goes through the motions getting dressed but can't leave the house. If she gets on the bus she will stick to big sister crying until she is made to go in. I have now stopped pressing her to get on the bus she did used to come back from school seemingly happy which made me question if it was just the initial leaving the house causing the anxiety.
When I ask her what is wrong she says she doesn't know, she hates it when the teachers shout, she panics she can't do the work and relies on a friend to explain what to do. I think she is in such a panic she almost can't hear and process the instructions. During lockdown she was brilliant and had no problem doing the work so I don't think ability is the problem.
School are rubbish I have left messages with her HOY but very little response, form tutor is a little better but not much.
I am worried about her mental health and don't know if I should be trying to do more to get her there or if this will be more damaging.
She only has 1 close friend who has lots of other friends, my dd is very shy and says she can't talk to anyone else. I am worried if she doesn't go she will loose that friend too.
I would love to home school but work until 1.30 each day so don't see this as feasible, I also wonder how she would get the social aspect if she is homeschooled. With being shy anyway, another move school wise would I'm sure amplify her anxiety.
Not sure which way to go next really!