School Phobia: Nothing to Take Lightly: school phobia help

» kathanbo - school phobia help

I am at my wit's end. My 7 year old has school phobia. He has ADHD and possibly other learning issues, although he is extremely bright and imaginative. Last year, he often shut down in school and refused to cooperate and occasionally tantrumed. This year is different becasue, when he goes to school, he is fine, but he hasn't been able to go more than one or two days a week for the last month. It is a small, private school. They don't have the resources to help me and or take him from me and contain him when he won't get out of car etc. I am pretty much alone in this, although he has a therapist and psychiatrist. He may move to a public school but he tells me he will refuse to go there, too. At least they may have resources to help him more. I am a single parent and don't think homescholing is an option, but that is what he wants. My neighbors home school and he sees no reason why he can't be homeschooled. I have been unable to work because of this, and even if I wanted to home school (which I'm not sure I do), I need to work. I am becomming very isolated b/c, as much as I love him to pieces, I am feeling stuck home with a 7 year old day after day after day. I feel sad for him because he is a well liked, popular kid who has so much to contribute in a class. I've tried talking, hugging, being firm, consequences, rewards--you name it. I am not sure whether to let him stay out or immediately move him to a public school (gotten a variety of advice about options). I don't want to give him the idea that staying home is simply okay to do on the long term. Any advice or support is appreciated, as I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Katie

-- posted by kathanbo