why will teenagers not go to school?

Michelle - posted on 06/04/2009

I've never dealt with this, so I'm no authority. Have you dug deep to try and figure out if there's something going on at school that makes him not want to go? If he won't communicate with you, you can speak with his teachers, guidance counselors, etc. to find out if they've noticed anything. Kids can be very mean at school, so you never know. Is he getting enough sleep at night, or is he wanting to sleep all day? Teenagers have so many things going on... hormones, peer pressures, etc, it could be so many things. If no one has noticed anything at school, then ask them to keep their eyes and ears out.

If there are legitimate problems, teachers are your best resource - they want to see your child succeed, too. Since you said "everything you say is wrong", have one of them sit down with your son and help you to get across just how important school is, and that it is NOT an option. (a guidance counselor, principal, teacher, etc.)

In the meantime, I'd personally take my son to school and accompany him to every single class. You can't give up on him, nor can you give in. Every time he succeeds in skipping school, you lose the battle. Good luck!

Shelly - posted on 06/01/2009

Claire,

Not sure what the situation is at home but if you are getting him up and off to school and then getting the phone call saying he's not in school tell them to call the cops. But if it's you not wanting to fight with him and make him go to school then shame on you. I don't care if you have to drag him out of bed by his hair and drive him to school and sit with him thru every class then thats what you do...I don't care how much of a fight they put up we are responcible for make sure that they grow up to be responcible adults and them not going to school is not exceptable!!!

Cindy - posted on 05/31/2009

Dawn - Good point!! Definitely something to consider.

Dawn - posted on 05/31/2009

Find out if something is wrong at school. If he really hates it and is escaping then there may be more going on than you're aware of, and maybe you can do something about it. Persist.

Cindy - posted on 05/31/2009

My son is the same age. And I agree with Angie. Take him to school yourself. If that does not work, start attending his classes with him. Even if it means you miss some work. Worst case scenario, you will have to contact the truancy officer. Being a mom is the most important job, as well as the hardest job, we will ever have. Good luck!!!

Sharon - posted on 05/31/2009

Maybe this is not the answer you are looking for but let your son stay home on condition he do all the schoolwork required of him. One of you may be surprised with the results--either he will get his act in gear and return to school or you will be surprised with a responsible young man who recognizes his academic responsibilities. You say he is going on sixty--sleeps in a lot? As long as he does his work, why not?

Bev - posted on 05/31/2009

I have the same issue and I have taken him to school and started to drop my house key off at the front desk of the school that does work, as he used to have a key for my place and there was like 5 teen boys in my place while I was at work they put a huge hole in my wall. So that was the end of kids hanging out here.

Angie - posted on 05/31/2009

Of course it's wrong. Take him to school yourself every day and sit outside (or inside) his classroom to make sure he stays there. It is your responsibility to make sure he is attending school or working on his GED.