Overwhelmed | ADHD Information

I guess you could call me a new ADHD mom. My oldest son had it mildy and he is now 13 and has almost outgrown it. My little one who is 6 has it sooo much worse. I tried to go without putting him on medicine but when he barely made it though Kindegarten I figured it was time. He is now on Ritalin 5mg and his psychologist and I are continuing to adjust his med. Anyway, I am a single mom with a full time job so don't have a whole lot of time for the consistency that he requires. I just got back from a school open house. When I asked his teacher how he did on his first spelling test she said he flipped the paper over and drew a picture on the back. I am so disappointed. So if any one has any suggestions in any area at all whether it be school or home life, and am willing to listen. Talk to the teacher about setting up a reward system that will help him meet a goal like taking the test each week.  The main thing would be him taking the test and not the spelling at first.  The ice cream is a great idea.  I give my son a week for good behavior.  He  asks for a big cookie if he does especially well.  He gets deductions from the for bad behavior.  This is all for school behavior. 

5mg is the starting dose. I'm guessing he'll be getting an adjustment.

Jessica N39709.7196990741

I've been in your shoes.  Our ds is 7 and was diagnosed last March.  I also work full-time. The thing is, you are going to HAVE to give him the consistency he needs.  He's your son and it is what it is.  The positive in doing this is not only in his benefit. It's in your best interest, too. The more organized YOU become, the less stress that YOU will be under. This, in turn, makes YOU a BETTER mom!  I am going to be very honest with you because I had someone do me the favor, too. This is NOT easy. It's just not. It's not for you and it's not for your boy.  No excuses can cover you or him, laziness won't cut it...This is 'hammer down' time. 

Get a PLAN.  Sit yourself down and right out a weekly schedule. Allow yourself some room for adjustment because life happens and we can't always follow it to a 't' but it HELPS give a guideline.  Sit aside family time, homework time and do make a reward system for him (and the older one, too). Get everyone involved.  Rewards will make each of you feel great.

Remember his age. He's so young and I feel ADHD robs them of SO much normalcy of just being 1. a boy and 2. a child.  So allow play time together.  Play some card games that will help him with numbers. There is a 'sight words' board game (kind of like BING0). We invested in that and it has really helped with reading AND with spelling.  Things like this are SO worth it and you all will benefit. Find what gets his mind going and really dig into a way for him to learn through his interests...Our ds LOVES art and he LOVES gaming-we incorporate those things.  Not always, but we do try.  It's all you can do...TRY.

I know this is a hard time. We all struggle, so expect that. Your son will have harder days than others, expect that. He will also have some really good days, so expect that and praise him for that!!  Also, allow yourself some time to decompress. You have a lot on your shoulders ... find what WORKS for you to let go of some of your daily stresses. Like coming here...  I hope this helps and if not, then just know that there are other moms (and dads) who are in your boat.  You're not alone.