Don't know how to parent..

[Oku]

My daughter (15) was diagnosed about 4 months ago. I am lost as to how to parent. School is possibly triggering, and she wants to go online-only but I am worried that she doesn't have the discipline to succeed at online only and that that much isolation will make things worse with her depression. However, I am afraid it is too much to ask of her to deal with the triggers while still maintaining her grades. I never know how to force her to do the standard things that a lot of teenagers avoid (cleaning her room, doing her homework, doing her chores, getting some exercise) and how much to relax. I don't want to become the push-over parent who allows her to use her PTSD to avoid doing things, but I understand that there are some things that are very difficult for her. But I can't tell the difference between "I don't want to do this thing because I am in a bad place right now" and "I don't want to do this thing because I am a teenager slightly prone to laziness". Anyone have any tips/resources? I can find very few resources on parenting a teenager with PTSD.

 

[Gemahi]

When I was a teen I was also lazy, and had PTSD. School was not triggering for me, but it made it difficult to focus in school and it made it difficult to work any job that I had during that time.

Please know that I am not a parent, but can understand part of what you're worried about. I myself struggle with ADD, and definitely struggle hard with online schooling. I took a 3 hour motorcycle safety ecourse last week and it took me 2 days to finish.

Ask yourself some questions... Has she ever taken online classes before? if she did, how successful was she? If you gave her a chance to do online schooling, could you enforce a rule that she maybe has to get outside of the house for maybe an hour a day, to keep her mind fresh and prevent isolation? Could you possibly find a counselor that could help you enforce these rules, and help your child understand what she needs to do, and help you parent the way you need to?

 

[Olihe]

I don't want to become the push-over parent who allows her to use her PTSD to avoid doing things, but I understand that there are some things that are very difficult for her. But I can't tell the difference between "I don't want to do this thing because I am in a bad place right now" and "I don't want to do this thing because I am a teenager slightly prone to laziness". Anyone have any tips/resources? I can find very few resources on parenting a teenager with PTSD

I guess you are going to have to go with your gut instincts and good for you for exploring this option. I did things like that with my kids when they were teenagers too. Get some books or materials that you trust that tell how to be a good parent. Wish I had thought of this when I had my kids in my home. Get some good support if you can from some of the moms who homeschool their children or look up homeschooling and start to look there if you are interested.

They do offer recess and maybe you could offer something like a scheduled break outside for her. I think you are really smart and a good mom by just asking for help. I wish you both the best.

 

[Uho]

Have you talked to the school about her diagnosis? Is it possible to set up an IEP for her that takes her PTSD into consideration?