I am really worried for my grandson – he has been off school for months

DEAR DEIDRE: MY grandson has been off school for a few months and I am really worried about him.

He is nearly 13, in his second year at secondary school. He seems so miserable.

I’ve asked him so many times what is going on but he simply shakes his head and refuses to talk. It’s heartbreaking.

My daughter is now planning to take him out of school completely and homeschool him.

She was working full-time but has cut her days.

I don’t think she can afford it but I try not to pry into her business.

I have offered to help my grandson but he doesn’t want me there.

He swore at me the other day because I told him off for being cheeky and answering me back.

He shuts himself in his room and only comes out when he is hungry. I am his 65-year-old grandma.

I bought some books for him to help with his maths and English but he hasn’t looked at them.

He does attend a martial arts class every week which is something.

I don’t know what else I can do for him.

DEIDRE SAYS: You are naturally concerned for your grandson’s best interests.

It’s entirely normal for teens to withdraw to their rooms but avoiding or refusing to go to school suggests there’s an issue.

Suggest your daughter speak to her son’s school to see if they can support him.

If she is adamant about homeschooling, then you have to respect her decision.

Your grandson does sound very angry.

Could you or his mum suggest he talks to someone completely impartial.

He can contact themix.org.uk, who help young people under 25 to get essential support.

Sometimes children lash out if they feel anxious or unsettled.

You and your daughter can get further support through familylives.org.uk (0808 800 2222).