What could a related adult do to help at 14-18 years old?
I'm family to someone who hasn't been in real school for more than 6 years. No real homeschooling is going on but the parent has done their research on the (very lax) paperwork the stare required. From what I have seen, they can read but have a lot of roadblocks in it. Very elementary math. There is nothing I could do legally or physically for this person, but at 18 I hope maybe they can live with me. We talk a little bit but not much. They are so painfully isolated. Maybe some online friends but no real life friends. Very little family contact.
14-18 is such an important age and it hurts so bad watching this child being denied a life. Would paying fully for driving lessons help? The parent wouldn't teach them and wouldn't take them anywhere. Paying for their sports or any other activities has been refused. Teaching to ride a bike is refused as well.
At this point I'm just wondering if the parent is just terrified of the whole they dug themselves into and for others to find out the depth of educational neglect.
There are others in the family (and family friends) who yearn to help or do something but it's like a stone wall is around the child. Legally we have zero rights. There is no abuse going on according to the law.
So I read this subreddit sometimes in hopes of finding something to do, something to say. It's just watching a car crash in slow motion for years.
I'm also willing to bet that a lot of the posters here have or have had a lot of silent by watchers being kept away by the parents.
I can't just wait for this person to turn 18 and hope that I can steer them and help them at that time only. Plus I think they will resent me and us for waiting so long. I hate the system that allows this to happen.
What is something that you would have wished for at 14-18 years old? What can someone do for you? Would you read the books gifted? Self study the textbooks? How to encourage someone to keep in touch, keep their phone on, not feel alone?