Off medication for the summer?? | ADHD Information
My son has ADHD. He is on 15mg of Methylphenidate (generic Ritalin) 3 times a day. At his last doc appointment the doc told me he should be taking these medications during the summer because he wouldn't need them and its for school only.I TOTALLY disagree, but Im so new at all this...and learning something new everyday.
Just looking for some insight.
Thanks!
we use meds year round. Our doctor isnt big on med breaks, and my daughter functions so much better all around with ehr meds.i don't think i'll do med breaks eather, dd is impulsive and very imature off meds, she feels better taking them, if she was just inatentive, then i might consider it.
We never did med breaks in the summer (I may do one this year but only because we've got some anxiety issues now). My DS is impulsive and hyper so the meds were needed year round so that he could do summer activities and it just helped the household run better (not constantly bothering his brother).He has been on meds for 7 years and this summer may be our first break.
Good luck!
My ds has been med free for 4 full days now. We tapered him off while at the beach on vacation. We felt that he could be active and engaged in the beach and other activities and run off any excess hyperness while coming off the meds. He was on 10 mg focalin xr. I don't know the meds are completely out of his system now, but he is doing fine. I see the hyperness and some lack of focus. But since we are staying at home for the rest of the summer it shouldn't cause a problem unless the hyperness gets out of hand.
I plan to take my boys swimming and to the park alot.
My son is off for summer. He is a little goofy and sometimes hyper but not so much that it's ever a behavior issue. Without meds he sits in class and plays with his shoes and is in everyone's space. He just can not focus. On meds he can keep up with his class. He doesn;t need that when he is home. On Concerta he hasn;t grown or gained weight and I always worry about long term side effects so...we've taken him off for the summer. Also, it is giving us the chance to try natural things like diet change and suppliments and we can see if it's working. On the med you just never know. Everyone's child/family is different and you just have to do what is right for you.So far, not too bad. We took our ds off for the summer, to allow him to gain weight. He grew taller but gained no weight. You can see his ribs!! He used to be a stalky little guy, but his growth spurt and the meds changed that! Anyway, it's a tough time right now dealing with his impulsivity and hyperactivity-but it's doable. We are really learning things WE (me and dh) need to work on like OUR patience and OUR yelling...this has been good for all of us and while we're working really hard-our ds is bugging his brothers and loving it and eating like crazy!!
Some times, I wonder if we aren't allowing boys to be boys anymore...but that's a whole other issue.
I agree that each child is different and you have to learn what is BEST for your child. Some NEED that pill for every day life and some can be managed without it...
I struggle with the issue of med breaks for the summer a lot but only for my dd. My ds is SO easy to take off his meds and since he has not gained ANY weight since last March he will be off for the entire summer. DD on the other hand is so hard to take off her meds. She is extremely hyper, impulsive, silly, immature, etc., etc. I don't like for her to be around any of her peers because I think it is so bad for her socially. When we take her off meds, it takes so long (5-6 weeks) for her to get through the "rebound" hyper behavior and return to her premedicated behavior. I think psychologically it is so much better for her, me and our whole family for her to remain on her meds for the summer BUT she seems to be one of the unluckly few who has really built up a tolerance to adderall which is the stimulant that works the best for her and she has tryed most of them. Physically the med break seems to be the only way for the adderall to regain some of its effectiveness and for her to grow. So this year I finally convinced her psych to let let her try tenex. We started about 6 weeks before school was out and she is now up to 1/2 mg in the a.m. and 1 mg in the afternoon. It does help some with the hyper/impulsive behaviors but not as much as I had hoped. Maybe this will get better the longer she is off the stimulants??? I am now considering keeping her on a low dose of concerta (as opposed to her regular adderall) for the summer but I am nervous that we will not get the full physical benefits of a med break this way.
cr12345mr-I remember reading about your dd when you had her on tenex and I believe Ritalin LA. It seemed like the tenex was helping her and allowed you to lower her stimulant dosage which was one of our goals in begining the tenex esp. since my dd loses some of her personality when the stimulant is high enough to control her hyperactivity/impulsivity. Do you mind my asking what happened with the combo of tenex/stimulant for your dd? Based on our experience so far w/ the tenex I am not sure about it and if it is actually helping enough.
Good luck to everyone! May we all have peaceful, restful summers!
We were thinking about taking our DD off of meds for the summer since I am now a stay at home mom and I can deal with her eratic behavior but after a 5 day break, her dr made her take due to Auditory Hallucination, we opted for lowering her dose. We've always lowered her dose durning the summer but this year we are going down by 1/2.
Consistency is the key. Some kids can handle summer without the meds so they think they can handle school without it and will start refusing the meds, my husband was one of them. Just be careful and discuss it with your child. I agree with Paul, compromise. Lower the dose, this will increase the appetite but keep consistency for your child.
This is such a controversial subject, it's hard to know what to do or what is right.
my personal opinion, based on all that I've read and on my own experience being medicated... whether to take a summer med break depends on how the child feels (age dependent of course) and how the parent feels with advice from the doctor. If your doctor is "one size fits all" (i.e. "no med breaks" or "must have a summer med break") and is unwilling to allow you to try options out, I'd look for a new doctor.
I'd also be leery of any doctor who believes that medication for kids is only about academic performance--where have they been??! Interpersonal skills, happy home life, consistency that builds self confidence...these are all things that meds can help with and that need support out of school as much as in school. Parallel reasoning for adults would be: don't take meds when you're on vacation from your work. For some adults, that's the way to go, but for others, they'll likely benefit by the boost that meds give for one's patience and ability to stay focused during the hectic organization, packing, and logistics and travel that most vacations involve. Whenever I take a med holiday, it lasts about a couple weeks max. What purpose does it serve me? It reminds me how scattered and frenetic my mind's "normal" mode of thinking really is, and also reminds me how much I appreciate the leveling effect of the medication.
My 7 year old has extreme hyperactivity, so we give year round, lower dose in the summer. My 9 year old takes a low dose anyway for grades and being too rough in school. He chooses to stay off on weekends and summer time. I am fine with it.We have the same issue at hand! Our ds has not gained weight since last March. DS is 6 and adhd/impulsive. We have started breaking on weekends right now to 'test the waters'. He ate like a growing boy this weekend!! I was prepared for the 'extra re-directing' I was going to have to do and forwarned my dh about it, as well. Prepare yourself to be more patient and tolerant and so far-not too bad. Afterall, our doctor said that he needs this summer to not only gain weight but to see how far he's matured when not on meds. I know it's going to be a test of my patience and all, but I'm actually looking forward to it. I know he NEEDS it for the 'more important things' (school, Sunday School (important in my book) and social events) but at home, just being himself-I'd like to see if he's advanced in the more 'self-controlled' area. REalizing, all the while, that he won't be 'up to par' by standards for his age...Good luck to you and with your decision!
We do not do meds breaks, we lower the dose. My son won the jackpot and is the combined ADHD. But since we homeschool we have been able to keep the dose lower ( I think). I am sure we would have had to raise the dose if we would have handle the stress of public middle school and puberty at the same time.
this will be our first summer after our daughter statred taking med at beginning of school year. she's had breif med beaks for a day or two on vacation. we'll keep her on meds for summer, she's seems to know she's better off with them vs. without. She did recently talk about how wonderful it was to eat freely on recent day off from meds. This is a tough desicion for some of us.
My daughter is coming off her medicine for the summer. She was on it for the weekends.
This was the first year she was on medicine. She is only 7. She grew taller while on it, but did not gain any weight. She needs the medicine for impulsivity and concentration. She is not hyper to me, but for the school, she couldn't sit in her seat.
I would like to see how she is not on it again. 
My 8yo can't function well without his meds and neither can anyone around him. He is simply miserable. My 10yo, however, doesn't need his meds quite as much so sometimes we are tempted to take him off for the summer or weekends. What I find is that mornings are fine, afternoons are a little crazier and by 5pm he is almost uncontrollable and we are counting down the minutes until bedtime. We decided to keep him on his meds because I think I should help him stay out of trouble if I can. He already has some self-esteem issues. It just keeps our family time so much better and that is important.
I guess my point is that you have to go by your child. So much of dealing with ADHD is trial-and-error.
hey-i don't get that at all!!! only for school. I think that if you take meds you should ????????
-Thanks!!!!
Isaac Reed
Isaac,
If the 10 year old is only the inattentive type, then it is possible that he only needs them for school. Most of us aren't so lucky and like my son and I have won the jackpot with the combined type of ADHD.
For the summer, I have taken her off the Daytrana patch, and started her on Tenex twice a day for impulsivity. So I can live with the inattention, but the impulsivity makes us all suffer to be around her. She also needs to gain a little weight. She's only up 3 lbs. since last August.This question has always brought up controversy on this site. One parallel I've heard is if you had diabetes would you take a drug holiday? ADHD meds help a child maintain a steady state of focus that friends and family can predictably respond and react back to. If you have a child who all of a sudden is trying to relate with others with out the support of of meds then their response don't jive to previous experience. The friends are'nt use to the hyper state, interruptions, not listening, and the ignored social queues that the lack of meds may bring on.
On the flip side, reducing the amount of meds maybe a reasonable compromise. If you were dosing in the evening to aid with homework, perhaps you can curtain. If you can reduce morning dosing by some percentage and still have a child who is reasonable, they go for it. Reduction in many of the ADHD meds will aid in the increase of appetite, reduction in sleeplessness and evening irratibility.
As with any change in medication, always consult with your pharmacologist.
Oh yea, one big gain with reduction of meds, is that you are able to build a surplus so that you aren't trying to time your trips to the drug store with the next perscription.
Paul
My son is ADD inattentive, no real hyper activity or aggressive behavior other than talking alot. His symptoms before meds were lack of focus and chewing his clothes and everything else. Socially he struggles as well. He's immature for his age and plays better with younger children and girls. We did meds just to get him through school becasue he just wasn't able to keep up. Meds have done wonders. He has 9 days of school left after today and we will be stopping his meds for the summer as of tommorrow. The school knows and agrees that these last two weeks won't requrie alot of focus. He is on 54mg Concerta and 1mg Tenex at night. He has not grown in a year and a half and he is just bones. I am hoping he'll gain some weight. He is also taking Fiber everyday because the tenex constipates him and casues some "accidents". (encopresis) We plan to explore organic foods this summer. It is more expensive but I have already started replacing a few items every time I shop. (The peanut butter I found isn't so great) I have heard that people have had good luck eliminating dyes and preservatives from their diet.I think it depends on the kind of ADHD, DD has ADHD/innattentive, and she is as of today off meds for the summer.
edbson39598.5449884259my ds 10 doctor also says no med breaks for anytime yet as he needs control all year round. he is happier with them. spamula39598.6992939815We've never done breaks. Our doctor has always discoraged it because the medicine requires consistency. I know some people do breaks on weekends and summer but for the most part these are the people that don't see the full-benefits of the medicine. It really does depend on what type of ADHD your child has and what they will be doing this summer. If it's just inattentive and their won't be any activities that will require focus and you feel comfortable then go for it. Have you talked to your son about it? How does he feel?I might 'break' my son for 4 weeks after summer school, let him gain some weight. We lowered his dose and he gained 20 and grew almost 2 inches since Christmas! So, I am excited to see what will happen med-free.Good question-- we have had our daughter on meds for this past school year-- also on weekends for most part. She does ask for a break on weekends. She says she misses eating like she used to pre medication. She's mostly ad/hd innattentive-- we can deal with her off meds but she definately does better at school with them. She has just recently realized the benefit of them as far as school work and focusing etc.Legends of the Fall was the name of that movie. I was out with my husband last night and it just popped in my head. Several years ago I was moving some book around and found a copy of the book, I never finished either.
Have you read the legend of Tristan and Isolde? I found a copy of it at a used bookstore. Very interesting and sad story at the same time.
Tristan is actually becomimg a very popular name. I have met several girls named Tristan, too.
I had an interesting phone call with another parent tonight. Our sons see the same psychiatrist. I mentioned med breaks and how I reacted when the doctor asked me about med break for the summer (daggers in my eyes!!!!). She laughed and told me he does that to see how dumb the parents are. Then he explains why they shouldn't. (I guess I passed the test.)
I think I will have to ask him if that question was a test next appointment and see what response I get out of him. I think it is an interesting concept.
Thesamman-- it is hard not to feel like that. It is not your fault and you are doing everything you can for your son. Look in the mirror and repeat after me, "I am a good mom. I am a good mom." Believe it, because I do! Have a good, no--have a great weekend.
AMOMOFTWO- you are not dumb. Some kids can take med breaks and some can't. mine can not at least at this time. He was so hyyyyper and couldn't shut up for even 1 minute and was bouncing off the walls. he needs the meds, i wish I could give him a break just for the weight issue, but the doc said NO WAY!
reruho, I really didn't appreciate that comment, either!! I don't feel 'dumb' and it's as though we're getting the 'bad parent' remark HERE. I would've never thought that would happen in this forum. That may have been something you could've kept to yourself out of respect, especially taking into consideration that some of us feel it has been a very GOOD decision.
Our ds is doing wonderfully without his meds for the summer. He has taught us a lot and we've seen some improvements off of his meds. I don't see anything wrong about a parent having some considerations in putting a pill in their child's mouth every day. I think we all come to this forum because we are GOOD parents who are seeking GOOD and the BEST decisions for our children. Period. Whether or not I allow my son to take a med break does not define me as dumb. I also, though, wouldn't appreciate a doctor 'testing' me, though. I would probably switch doctors, but see-that's the difference in people. I don't have time to play mind games when it comes to my son's health.
In reference to the name thing, you're right. It's a popular name.
rehuro, I don't think you repeated that to imply that any of us are dumb...I hope. Taking Wyatt off meds was the smartest thing I could have done for him. They are all different so we all make the best choices that we can for our families. I think the psych who "tested" you is dumb and I would run FAST.MY son psychiatrist sees lots of parents that are denial and think meds are just for school. Therefore, since there is no school in the summer, my child doesn't need meds. The problem is these parents are missing the bigger picture of how it the meds help with all aspects of their children's lives, especially the social interaction. I think he used the question to have a chance to educate the parents. And I am very sure if thought it was in the best interest of the child's health to take a med break, he would recommend it
You can't tell me that some well meaning person (spouse, relative or neighbor) hasn't ask why you are giving meds during the summer when there isn't any school. If your child needed glasses all the time and you took them away for the summer because school was out, they would think your'e crazy. They somehow don't equate meds in the same way.
[QUOTE=ilovemyboys]reruho, I really didn't appreciate that comment, either!! I don't feel 'dumb' and it's as though we're getting the 'bad parent' remark HERE. I would've never thought that would happen in this forum. That may have been something you could've kept to yourself out of respect, especially taking into consideration that some of us feel it has been a very GOOD decision.
[/QUOTE] That is the attitude I got also and am still getting. 
My child doesn't need meds for social interaction. She does fine without them and has lots of friends. She needs the medicine to be able to sit and focus, not for her behavior. I would be a bad parent if I didn't realize the difference.
Your doctor sounds like a real pill. Testing his clients. Really one thing I have learned about ADHD is that each child is different and the problem we have is that people all think they are the same.
THanks ((Spamula)))
AMom2Two39654.3744097222No, I did not post the comment to imply anyone was dumb. I was caught off guard when she told me that. But I can see why doctors ask some of these questions. They need to judge the knowledge level and/or commitment level of their patients sometimes. There are so many that go to the doctor and never ask questions. They tend to think the doctor knows best and just accept what is said. Doctors do make mistakes. Those of us here are not that type. The majority of us are partners with the doctor(s) in treatment of our children. We ask the who, when, what,where, and why questions.
[QUOTE=reruho]I had an interesting phone call with another parent tonight. Our sons see the same psychiatrist. I mentioned med breaks and how I reacted when the doctor asked me about med break for the summer (daggers in my eyes!!!!). She laughed and told me he does that to see how dumb the parents are. Then he explains why they shouldn't. (I guess I passed the test.)
[/QUOTE]
Really....I guess I am a dumb parent then because my dd med break is working great for her. She has gained 5 pounds and her sensory and OCD issues have gone away. The past year was my dd first year on meds. She is 7. I would have considered myself dumb if I didn't try it and see how she reacted. Turns out she doesn't need meds unless she has to sit in school. What a dumb, dumb parent I must be not to give her meds WHEN SHE DOESN'T NEED THEM in the summer.
First let me apologize to anyone that was insulted by my posting, that was not my intent. I shared something that caught me off guard and at the sametime was interesting to me. My son's doctor was not playing a game but checking my commitment to my son's health and well being.
For those of you with children that are the inattentive type and can take med breaks know that you are lucky. My son won the jackpot and can not take a med break, if I am to stay out of jail. Yes, he makes me that crazy at times. And yes, I think I was pretty dumb to let my husband and son talk me into a med break. We were all miserable but,I think my son was the most miserable those four days. I should have followed what I knew.
The treatment of ADHD is a long term affair that requires commitment from parents/caregivers. There are parents that are not willing to keep up the commitment. There are parents/teachers/ school adminstrators that just want to medicate children to make them compliant, they are not concerned with how to help the child. Doctors have to screen somehow.
I see your side of it...I appreciate you clearing that up!!
Some times, I think we do get 'defensive', too, of our decisions. Because it has been such a rough road for all of us, we tend to put the gloves up a little quickly!!
I see where you were going with it. Maybe I shouldn't have been so quick to finger-point, Reta!! Thanks. I do realize that we are fortunate to have been able to even try this...I read enough of the blogs to know that not everyone's child CAN have that opportunity. Our ds is inattentive/hyper/impulsive. It hasn't been an easy summer off of them, but a med break was needed to try and get some meat on his bones. It's always a hard decision when meds are concerned...is it not? This has worked for us and, yet, I do have the realization that it couldn't for everyone. The 'dumb parent' remark just made me put up my self-advocate gloves!! Have a great day!
My ds is back on meds. He was off for about a month. At first he did great. We kept him busy on vacation at the beach. Then after coming home and not being as busy each day got harder and harder. He was just way too impulsive and hyper. He is now back on meds.
At first I felt like I had failed. But now I see that we had a chance during the break to see if he "really " needed meds. Just to reinforce to ourselves that we were doing the right thing. I see how much better ds focuses on meds. The hyperness is curbed and the impulsiveness is better. He feels better about himself because he knows he can behave, focus and not be fussed at as much for being wild...
His doctor and counselor got a chance to see him off meds and they whole heartedly agreed that he needed to be back on meds.
He did not gain an ounce....
For those of you who have been able to have your kids on a med vacation or taper down for the summer, congrats. But....school is starting in a few weeks, so remember, give yourself time to ramp em back up. Generally, any med change should be given a week to see the full impact/results. Kids on med vacations, won't need the same level as they came off of at the beginning of summer. Please, don't use a frantic call from the teacher as the queue to re-start meds; it's unfair to both the teacher and child. Remember, our children have a harder time with transitions so ease em back.
Paul
Ilovemyboys
How old is your Tristen? Mine is almost 13. I am always asked if I named him after Brad Pitt, it was a depressing movie about Montana. I named my son after Tristan Jones the writer/sailor.
Yes we are in Maine. Our Tristen is 7 and...I did name him that from the Brad Pitt movie but just by the NAME. It was a depressing movie but I loved the name!! We did spell his name different, I didn't want him following the footsteps of the Tristan Brad Pitt played!! ha ha ha Since your's is after someone wonderful, you're in the clear!
I tried a med break for a week and I was going CRAZY. Combined ADHD and no luck here! My son is little so I have the same concerns of everyone else! I try to get the most out of breakfast and dinner and the bed time snack as I can! I'll know at then end of the month when he turns 10 if he has grown and, I'll let you know!
Well, we have been off meds for 6 weeks now. ds is not too hyper and I am able to handle the silliness and the constant "I'm bored."
On the downside, his friendships have suffered because he fades in and out of conversation and 'forgets' to call people or keep up. This is disappointing because we really need to work on social skills in the summer when he isn't so stressed out from the burden of school.
On the upside, ds has gained 4 precious pounds. He is 12 years old and has gone from 65 to 69 pounds.
I have to agree with Spamula, my son does not function well off meds. He and Dad wanted a med break for the summer. I lasted 4 four days. He was sort of ok during the day but the nights were rough. He was loud, obnoxious, defiant and was getting far too rough with the dogs (rat terriers, about the size of beagles). I put him back on meds.
We are doing a lower dose of the vyvanse, from 50 to 30. The doctor asked about a med break and he must have seen the daggers in my eyes. I told him, how about lowering the dose.
I think I have seen an increase in his appetite with the lower dose. I still have to remind him to eat during the day, though.
Why do they all have issues with small dogs/cats????
reruho, 'daggers in my eyes' made me chuckle! I know what you mean, it was just funny!! We know what we don't want, right!! ha ha
There is no way on earth my dd is taking a med break this summer...in fact,after today's meltdown, I was wondering if I shouldn't seek an increase! (She
and her sister were arguing over got the junk mail that came in a UPS
delivery today...)
Bubbles, hang in there!! He'll do alright...Just keep encouraging the friends to come over ...
Our summer off of meds has been surprisingly good. I had anticipated his 'boredom' and anxiousness (is that a word? I tend to love to put 'ness' on the end of a word to make it another word, ha ha), so we planned quite a bit and spread it out for him. He hasn't had a week off from anything, yet. The first week of summer, we were on vacation. The next was his little brother's birthday and I allowed him to be a huge part of the planning. Next was visiting family and having his friends over...that was a bit more of a struggling week, it wasn't busy enough. Then his birthday came and we went to the lake and he brought a friend and got some overnight time with grandparents that week. This week we started swim lessons for one hour each day and for two weeks...It's worked out great. He's eating like a champ...
MY SON IS WAY TO HYPER AND DISTRUCTIVE WHEN OFF HIS MEDS. IT ALSO AFFECTS HIM SCOCIALLY. SO EVEN THOUGH A MED BREAK WOULD BE GREAT FOR HIS APPETITE, DOC SAID NO WAY!My daughter is doing great off her Vyvance for the summer. She gained 4 pounds already. Her sensory issues have decreased dramatically and her OCD behavior has also decreased dramatically.
She is acting rather babish for being 7 but I have a 3 year old and I believe she is copying from him and still wanting to be my baby.
The only thing I haven't been able to do with her is start her summer reading books. She wants to read anything but the one's that are required. She also needs to do a book report on the one book. Other then this school work issues........ I'm loving the summer break and I am so happy I took her off for the summer.
Doctor is saying to send her back to school without meds and see how she does. She goes into second grade. We might need to switch meds again but I won't go there yet. The summer is just too precious to waste my time worrying...worrying...worrying.... I"ll pick up that worry cap again in September. 
Wyatt is doing great so far too and I don' think he will go back on when school starts. We are in a somewhat unique situation. We start school in August go for 6 weeks then have a three week vacation late September into October for potato harvest. Many of the school kids (highschool) work the harvest or babysit for people who do and they won't run buses for just the little kids. Anyway, he will have a new teacher and she will have 6 weeks to work with him and see where he is at. It is primarily review for the 6 weeks anyway. I don;t know if it's the chiro or the vitamin b but things are working!
Wyatt's Mom--You must be in Maine or Idaho. The schools closed down in Washington during apple picking season when I was a kid. I don't know about it now.
Ilovemyboys--About the dog/cat issues, I think they want to play but go overboard trying to play. Tristan really does want to play but the dogs just don't trust him.
You liked the dagger comment. Giving his doctor that look kept me from shouting at the doctor,"Are you crazy or something?" His psychiatrist drives me crazy (I swear he is ADHD too) but we get a long very well.
Wyatt's Mom, that is kind of neat to hear about what goes on in your area! I have always wanted to visit Maine...Some times, I need an 'escape' so I pretend I'm there (by a lighthouse, ha ha) or in Tuscany...it works for me!! I'm glad your summer break is going well, our's too and we're also considering dropping the meds for school (as a trial...)
reruho, I hear Washington is a beautiful place to live as well. Did you say that your son's name is Tristan? Our ds is Tristen!! 
Neat!! I know what you mean about the look. After so very many mistakes, I too have learned the look. I suppose it's why your statement made me chuckle. I GET IT! ha ha
My son also took a med break this summer...hard for me...but good for him. He isn't crazy about taking medicine and is convinced it has unrelated side effects. My main concern was his growth and knowing how to deal with being him. I worry that constant medication will prevent him from knowing and dealing with who he really is. I'm sure many would disagree and you are probably right...but maybe being off meds will help him appreciate them during the school year....
funny side note...since he is off meds for the summer....we were flying on a plane on a 6 hour flight...I had ear plugs and true desperation to sleep and I could still hear him chattering away...that boy is so naturally loud
I noticed a comment about an ADHD child making you feel crazy. I think that is something that more dr's, other parents, and teachers could use a good dose of sympathy on. I remember meeting with one of my son's teachers and making an off handed comment about how he could be a little monster at times. This teacher was fuming mad that I could refer to my child this way. She never said much to me after that meeting....I always wondered how she would have survived a week in my shoes. It's not all Mary Poppins and child rearing text books. There are times when you want to scream out of frustration....and there are times that you do scream and lose your temper....that is what makes us human. My mother...who suffered through raising me...always tells me to take comfort in the fact that my son will one day raise a child just like him.....who will most likely be more of a handful, but I wouldn't wish ADD/ADHD on any parent or child. I'm glad that at least now there is help for people like my son and I....otherwise the world would have a little more chaos in it!
AdultChaos I have to agree. My mother raise 3 of us, all with varying degrees of ADHD. I often wonder how she survived. I guess what goes around, comes around. If some of these negative people could just spend a few days and especially on just one of their bad days, they would have a completely different view of our children. Some compassion and understanding for us as parents????
I try not to look at being ADHD/ADD as negative. It is one of those things that makes me and my son unique. You just have to train this talent. Just like the painter, they had to learn how to harness and express their talent. Thomas Edison and Bill Gates got where they were going by using their ADHD energy.
Our society does not appreciate our children. Society wants quiet, compliant children. I can say that my son does not fill that model. He is always making noise, even when he is in hyperfocus he is talking to himself. I think being quiet is totally unnatural for him.
I think I've learned that there are variations in the degree of ADHD a child can have and that multiple-symptoms/other diagnoses increase those variations. Our ds was tested and is ADHD/impulsive/inattentive. However, this summer we took him off his meds. He is still quite energetic and 'goofy', but I'm learning that I'm not completely comfortable with putting a pill in his mouth to recitify it. It's WHO HE IS!! Am I changing some of the good qualities, too, when putting that pill in his mouth? Am I telling him that it's not ok to just be who you are? I don't know right now...
I'm nervous about school starting because I've enjoyed his appetite and more up-beat mind set without the meds. HOWEVER, I am about him being socially accepted and having a smooth class room experience, so the pill aids in that. My heart strings are being pulled and I sincerely don't know what to do. I guess I'm glad we have a dr. appt coming up so that I can have some support and weight into our decision (I some times forget to include DH ). Anyway, it's a struggle...
Wyatt's Mom, I see that often times you and I ARE in the 'same boat' so to speak, on several things. I think we'll try ds off of meds and we have a meeting set up with his teacher and principal 2 weeks after school starts...So, if she says he's struggling (or we get too many notes before-hand ) we can decide to put him back on the meds.
Let me know how Wyatt's doing and we'll keep up to date with each other!!
We have 5 weeks of school then are off two weeks for harvest. Our plan is to give him the 5 weeks then make adjustments or reintroduce meds during the break if he needs them. Since we are back on track with the chiro i feel that he is doing better. The meds were so tuff on him in the end. Monday we are starting him on a suppliment called rhodiola. It isn't specifically for adhd but it is supposed to help with focus, depression, and anxiety. I have taken it for three days (trying it on me first) and have actually been able to sit still at my desk. Maybe it is just wishful thinking or coincidence though. I will defiantley keep you posted.