A Few More Questions | ADHD Information

If medication is working properly, it changes just about everything!  It's very possible that if tries medication and it works for him he may love all of the sports he used to hate.  Before meds my son hated pre-school.  He would cry and say he didn't want to go, he didn't like it, he was always in trouble, the other kids didn't like him ect.  Once we started him on medication, that all went away and he loves it now!  Part of the downside with the extended release meds is the "rebound" where they seem even more hyper than before! We have a prescription for a 2.5 mg short acting Focalin pill to use for after school activities, but haven't had to try it yet because of Christmas break. Just nice to know it's there, in case we do need to use it! As for sports, I can relate to that!!!! T ball was a disaster, and so was karate, even though he loved that he was always getting in trouble. Now maybe with the meds things will be different. Kendal LOVES swimming class, and by the way, did you know that Michael Phelps (the Olympic champion) had ADHD, and his mother started him with swimming classes as a way to release his energy?I had always given my son, now 11, time to play and run around after school, but like you found that getting him to do the homework was a battle.  I guess it was mid- way through third grade that I started making him do it first thing.  That way he doesn't have to "switch tracks" and getting him to do it has been considerably easier.  He has also said that he likes to get it done so that he can really relax and know that he doesn't have to deal with schoolwork till the next day.

Now getting it completed properly- let's just say schedule tweaking doesn't help with everything.

Why can't he just come home and relax where he feel safe and secure and play with his younger brother? remember they are younger in the social department. He may have more in common with his brother than his peers. does he have friends at school?

We always do homework FIRST and then as the meds are really wearing off, he has the rest of the time to do whatever he wants. This way I get the best time at home to get through homework. My son is 12 and it has been working for 6 yrs now.

And lastly medication would definetly change his behavior. Any questions about meds?

Your son may not want to play sports. does he like chess?

I have TWO questions regarding afterschool schedules.  It seems like Matt (age 8) needs to come home and unwind......play/eat/ whatever to decompress from the school day.  I am fine with this, however, trying to then get him involved with homework is a huge ordeal.  My husband and I want him to start homework immediately after dinner, but it's always a struggle now matter what time we mention that he has to do it.  I"m open for suggestions on what you have found works for your children. 

Also, we have tried many sports in the past without success.  He has always expressed an interest in playing them (we do not force anything) and then we sign him up after he has asked to play.  About 1-2 weeks into the season..............he is done..............throws fits............screams that he hates soccer/baseball/basketball etc.  It is truly awful to continue through the season.  So, knowing this, we did not sign up for any sports but would like for him to take an art class 1 day a week for an hour after school or try karate/swimming..........something.  He flat out told me that he does not want to go anywhere after school and do anything.  What would you do? Do I push?  He needs to do more socially than just play at home with his 5 year old brother.  I just want to do the right thing.

And again..........for my ever presssing question............would medication change this behavior??

Thanks in advance.

Andrea