Every morning was a battle of wills. I tried the "tough love" approach, then the "logical approach," and finally the "bribe" approach. None of them worked. The more I pushed, the more she retreated.
Greg the crow. That was the first time she’d initiated conversation in two weeks. 30 days with my schoolrefusing sister
Until she felt safe—emotionally, physically, relationally—no amount of punishment would work. Safety is the prerequisite for learning. Always. Every morning was a battle of wills
By the final week, the fear hadn't vanished, but her ability to handle it had changed. We worked on a "comfort kit" for her school bag—things that helped soothe her sensory overload (fidget tools, noise-canceling earbuds, a photo of our family). The more I pushed, the more she retreated
Getting out of bed and sitting at the kitchen table is a victory. Treat it as such.
Acknowledge the week: “We made it through seven days without anyone yelling. That’s a win.” Order her favorite takeout. No lectures.