30 Days With My Schoolrefusing Sister [patched] <TRUSTED>

I also made sure to take care of myself. Supporting a loved one with school refusal can be emotionally draining, and I didn't want to burn out. I sought support from friends, family, and online communities, and I made time for self-care activities, like exercise and meditation.

School-refusing kids often have perfectionist roots. They’d rather refuse than attempt and fall short. Refusal is a twisted form of control. 30 days with my schoolrefusing sister

Lena had built her entire identity on being “the smart one,” “the successful one.” If she tried and failed, who would she be? I also made sure to take care of myself

Healing is not linear. Expect setbacks. They don’t erase progress. They are progress—because they mean she’s trying. School-refusing kids often have perfectionist roots

The strain began to crack the rest of us. My parents were exhausted, facing potential fines and judgment from a system that sees a struggling child as a discipline problem.