Days With My School-refusing Sister — 30

OS attempted to physically remove YS from bed. Result: YS bit OS’s arm, then locked herself in bathroom for 6 hours.

Tutor reported YS is above grade level in reading, below in math. No learning disability—pure anxiety blockade. 30 Days with My School-Refusing Sister

YS stopped hiding under blankets. First voluntary sentence: “I’m not crazy. I just can’t breathe when I think about the hallway.” Phase 2: Stabilization & Decompression (Days 6-12) Strategy: Treat home as a rehabilitation ward, not a battleground. OS attempted to physically remove YS from bed

OS abandoned “tough love.” Shifted to neutral presence —entering room only to offer food/water without expectation of conversation. Removed all shaming language (e.g., “You’re ruining your life”). No learning disability—pure anxiety blockade

YS agreed to text one trusted friend from class. Friend sent: “Miss you. No one even remembers the vomit thing.” YS cried for 20 minutes, then texted back: “Really?”