PCS/TBI effect on my teenagers
 

I am a single parent with 3 kids at home, age 16, 18 and 20. After 19 months at home and not working I feel my children stress levels are increasing. The worry over me and money and what will happen in the future.

My 16 year old has shown signs of stress and anxiety since February and this week has hit the crisis point and has quit school. She wants to finish school but somewhere else she hates her friends, her school and living at home.

Both the 16 and 18 year old are out all the time and the oldest is left holding the bag of household chores and assisting me with what I need done.

I think I have underestimated the effect my accident has on the children. We have food, I don't stress over money and tell the kids that I can take care of things. I am very fortunate that a lot of people have lent me money and continue to lend me money to make ends meet. The children all work and contribute what they can. I always keep a positive attitude around the house and they see that I am working towards getting better.

I am open with the children and talk about the process I am going through, but I am sure it is hard to comprehend. I sometime find it unreal that I am still recovering, I always talk in positive terms but stress it takes time.

Has anyone experienced issues with their children.

I Can Relate
 

I am so sorry. This is really hard on the whole family especially our children. I am a single mother as well and I have a daughter that is 13 has suffered with me. When I started isolated myself 2 years ago from accident....she did the same.I know how you feel my daughter had no friends,started cutting herself etc last school year.I got her a mental health assessment and did everything I was capable to do. It did not happen over night but in time I got her help.

I had got her therapy along with myself. It gives her time to talk to someone that is not me or her grandparents. My parents had to take care of her most of the time the last school year because I could not do anything for her or myself! In time things are getting better. I know this is crushing because we have no control or can handle anything without getting overwhelmed.

Stay strong and keep fighting! If your teen wants to drop out then make her go take a GED test ASAP.With a GED she could still go to college....I would suggest to give the teen if anything an option to either go to school or go take the GED test. If you feel comfortable with online high school they have that as well. Keep your head up and try to keep stress down threw meditation etc.

I wish you the best and I want to let you know you are not alone.:hug:Mia

Teens and parent with PCS
 

Oh boy!

My daughter and I had a some rough patches when I was more sick. Luckily, my husband could take over and was parent for both of us.

I know you are a single parent so that makes it different for you.

Things DO get turned upside down when a parent is brain sick and can't take care of the child or teen or be the parent they WERE, and the teen brain just does NOT usually understand it.

I agree with Mia. If your daughter wants to quit school, go for the GED. But can the school help guide her in this process? Is there any other option for her to stay in school and get the diploma? Night school?

Can the school help your daughter with any kind of counseling? She likely needs it and doesn't realize it.

I am a teacher and worked in 2ndary. A GED is OK, but it's not seen the same as the diploma. If she could just stick it out with school via some maybe other routes than day school, really look into it.

Are there any other family members who can help you out? You need a support system and someone to councel your daughters -- who isn't you.

Take care and keep updated. This is an extremely importnt issue.

God bless

pm

Thanks for your encouragement
 

I have made 3 appointments this week for her to look at alternative schooling. She seems quite interested and she can also do paid co-op for credit which will help our financial situation.

I am letting her rest and take what time she needs to make a decision that she can live with.

I also found her a psychologist who specializes in education who will help her with her decision.

Good!
 

Hi Norma

You are on the right track and have done a ton! I am applauding you. )))))))))))))))(((((((((((((((

Alternative high schools can be great, but be aware that on line classes are not necessarily easier than day school. She will need to be organized to keep up if she had some on line courses. (I watched my own 2 children take some on line and day school classes. The on line ones were college credit and hard)

Anyhow, you deserve commendation for all you are doing and honestly, you are still in recovery. YOU ROCK!

I am so tired from poor sleep I won't be here long, but so glad you updated! Yay and it sounds like it's in a good direction for your daughter.

Sincerely

pm