Having read all the threads on here i feel that 'letting go of the tug of war rope' isn't always an option. i can now see my 12yr old stepson has always shown signs (we didn't realise as it was extremely mild). over the last 18mths it has gradually got worse. now at secondary school it has suddenly turned into a nightmare. he is refusing point blank to go to school. we've contacted them about the possility of bullying and spoken to him, not being bullied. he gave excuse after excuse not to go and we spoke with the school. they have put a number of things in place so those excuses can't be an issue. now he just point-blank refuses. we've taken things away (console, tv, toys etc) he still refuses and will just stay in his room kicking the wall. we can't just let him stay at home as he needs his education (also, the authorities will then be involved. that can be followed by heavy fines and/or imprisonment). the only thing left to do is take away his 1 true bit of enjoyment (it's the only time we see a normal child) - football (or soccer, depending on were you're from). do i take this away in the hope it works.
