My soon to be 7 year old son would like to join cub scouts. He's entering 1st grade next week. I signed him up, but now I'm regretting it. The meetings are twice a month from 7-8 p.m. His meds will have worn off by then and he gets very silly and doesn't really pay attention. I'll be there with him because at this age, a parent must attend also. I just think it will be a big headache (for me really, and probably the other kids/parents).
Anyway, has anyone else had success/problems with cub scouts? He says he wants to join so he can go fishing and build a model car. I told him we could do that without scouting. He didn't go for that. As of now, there isn't a leader for this new group of 4 boys yet, and I'm not volunteering, so I don't even know if they will even have a group yet.
I would appreciate any thoughts or experiences to share. He's already signed up for swimming and I'm looking into maybe guitar lessons too (he has a guitar and tries so hard to play and sing).
Thanks.
My scout is 15 and going to get his eagle in probably a year. I had more problems with how the troop was led by the adults than I ever did with DS. His meds had worn off by the time the meeting started, but he wasn't the wildest kid by far! He did have meltdowns (frustration mostly) but we dealt with that. This past summer he went to the Florida Keys to a scout high-adventure camp called SeaBase and spent 5 days in a 42 foot sail boat. They learned how to sail, they went snorkeling, did just tons of stuff! It may be hard at first and I there will be problems, but the end result can be terrific.
I signed my son up tonight for Tiger Cubs. I saw first hand what you guys are all talking about. The kids were all wild.
My son actually was pretty well behaved considering the action of the others. It amazes me how some parents just let their kids run around like maniacs. Now don't get me wrong...my son had some fun but at least listened to me when I asked him to settle down or come sit with me.
susieb, I like your advice if one doesn't work out look for another...
Gatorsmom,
Now that I think about it, at the recruitment meeting last June, my son did pretty much do what he was supposed to do. He sat when everyone else sat, participated in activites, etc. And that was in the evening also (7-8 p.m.). We are going to try it this year and see how it goes. He is really looking forward to it and that alone makes a difference in how he behaves. Thanks.
Good for you Kat! I figure it can't hurt to let them try it. Hopefully since it is something he wants to do it will go well. I tell ya, boys are rowdy anyway, whether they have "diagnosises" or not - and for our boys this environment seems like one where they feel "normal" whatever that is. HEHE!I just signed my 6 yr old up for Tiger Cubs. When we were at the first meeting, my boy ran around some, but when they called for them call to come sit, he went right over and sat down - unlike MANY of the other boys who were running around. His meds had worn off, but I am telling you, he didn't look any different than any of the other boys there. It was like being in a zoo! I worried about it, and so did my DH but so far, it is the one environment he has been in where his ADHD hasn't been noticable at all.
Good luck!
Hi, I'm new here, but I had to respond to you.
My son, Branden is 7-in 2nd grade. He started Cub Scouts with his brother last year. This year he will be a Wolf and his brother will be a Webelo. I have agreed to be the assistant den leader for the Tigers and Wolves (how crazy am I!). Anyway, in my experience last year-yes, Branden had some trouble sitting still during meetings, as he was off meds. Some of the Den Leaders knew, so they were patient with him. Honestly, I had more trouble with his brother getting into trouble. When Branden really wants something, he will force himself to listen. Realistically, some of the other Tigers were just as nuts as Branden. Remember, all of these kids have been sitting in school all day long-they just want to run and wiggle by that time of night-whether or not they have ADHD. In our pack, we try our best to do active activities. We always end meetings by playing floor hockey for at least a few minutes.
IMHO-if he really wants it, let him try it. Scouting is designed to encourage these boys to become responsible, independent men. I don't know about you, but my Branden can use all of the independence lessons that he can get. You would be amazed at the improvement in self esteem that comes from scouting. Also, the other kids look up to the scouts in their uniforms! There is nothing better for self esteem and social skills than having a cute girl come up to your son and say "Wow, you're in Cub Scouts!"
My co-worker, who i know has adhd plus things, is a leader. his aspbergers son is with him, along with another son. there are lots of kids like ours in the troops. Send him. Can you give him a short acting dose like focalin?My two cents: we had to pick between Indian Guides and Cub Scouts. Indian Guides is only for fathers and sons. We went with Indian Guides, and it was the right choice for us. All meetings are attended by fathers and sons. Each boy has his father right there with him. We do miss out on the school connection with cub scouts in our area, but it is outweighed by the time my husband and son get to spend with one another. My son benefits from being with my husband who knows how to handle him and react appropriately. I am a den leader and am entering the 4th year of doing it. My son just turned 9. I swear, every kid in our den has ADHD!! They are all nuts - so don't worry about him standing out! We had the very same problem. Our son just couldn't hold it together to really get anything out of the meeting and we ended up taking him out. Right now we are looking for a troop that meets during the day on weekends, which is a better time for him. Are there any troops in your area that meet at a time of day when your son is at his best?Our cub patrol is 98% father and son, that's why we picked it. Don't give up! It seems like most the kids in there are so wound up from being in school all week.[QUOTE=Tweetysmom]I am a den leader and am entering the 4th year of doing it. My son just turned 9. I swear, every kid in our den has ADHD!! They are all nuts - so don't worry about him standing out! [/QUOTE]
I can agree! When my son (now 11) was in scouts his ADHD behavior didn't stand out at all. It was very noticeable in school, but at scouts he wasn't the craziest behaved AT ALL! Quite the contrary actually. Some of the wildest boys were the teacher's pets from school. What a mystery that was. Still it was a big stressful headache for me, always afraid that all that wildness would set my son into a frenzy.
Overall, he enjoyed it and I think it was good for him because he had a great leader and learned stuff and al that
(PS: Thanks for being a leader!)