how do you help a teen who refuses to talk about anything school-related?

When teens shut down, it is often protective. School may be tied to shame, overwhelm, or repeated negative feedback. Pushing harder can increase resistance. We shift from interrogation to curiosity. Instead of asking about grades, we might explore stress levels, sleep, or what feels hardest about the day. Creating emotional safety matters more than extracting information. Sometimes individual therapy gives teens a space to process without parental pressure. Medication optimization can also reduce avoidance if ADHD symptoms are driving it. The goal is rebuilding confidence and regulation first. Once those improve, conversations about school often become easier.