Hi, I am new to this website, and just want to say that I am so happy to have found it! I have been reading some of your stories and can relate to so many of them. It is wonderful to be able to give and recieve support, and vent our frustrations! My 6 yr. old daughter has just been diagnosed with ADHD. She is not currently on any meds, but we have an appointment scheduled for Feb. 20 to discuss our options. It has been a long road so far getting to this point and I'm so relieved that we are finally on the right path. My daughter is a kind, bright, affectionate child who has been so affected by the limitations of her ADHD. Our family life has been so impacted by all of this. It seems that so much of the time there is tension between all of us (myself, my husband, and son). We have endured many temper tantrums, arguments, etc. She is not doing well in school and I fear she may have to repeat 1st grade. I don't know how I feel about this. I obviously want to do what is best for her, but I'm not sure that is what would most benefit her. She is a twin and is VERY competetive with her brother. I am worried that by having her repeat 1st grade would make her feel like a failure. How do I explain to her that she is in no way a failure, that she just has a condition that keeps her from focusing on her work? On the other hand, I fear she will just fall further behind if she goes on to 2nd grade and is not emotionally or academically ready. She is off-task in school about 90% of the time. Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated. Once again, I am so glad to have found this site!
Welcome Kelly,
You will find lots of support and help in this place. I know that I have.
We went through issues that started in the 2nd grade and got critical in the 4th grade (rages, depression, anxiety, school failure). With a good behavior modification plan and medication, my 10 yo is happy, successful and doing great.
You might check out ogram's marble system (top stickied thread) for a positive reinforcement behavior modification plan. This type of plan can be used at home and school.
Here is a also thread on tantrums that might help:
http://www.adhdnews.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=24481& PN=12
First of all, I just want to say that we have all been there and felt the exact same way. Here is a (((hug))), because we can never have too many of those!
Secondly, I would wait and see how it goes once you have meds in place. If she is like many children, her work will improve so much that failing will no longer be an issue. My son went from struggling to get C's to honor roll in just one grading period last year in the 4th grade...the only difference was the right med.
Stay in close contact with her teacher at school and make yourself part of a team to help your little girl get the best treatment possible for a good result.
Keep us posted on her progress!
When my dd was in 1st grade last year, it was SUCH a disaster in the beginning. She started without an IEP and no meds. Well, we got an IEP in place, and started her on meds, and things improved dramatically.