Young Children and ADHD(4 yrs) | ADHD Information

Hi kkidsmom2010 and welcome to the board!  My son was also very young when he was diagnosed (just shy of 4) but I also knew MUCH earlier that something wasn't "right".  Most schools and docs don't like to "label" kids before 6 yrs or so but my son was sooooooooooo bad that I decided I wouldn't take no for an answer!

The one thing that got everyone moving (docs/school etc) was when it started to hurt his self-esteem.  He would come home from his Pre-Kindergarten class and say things like "The other kids don't like me because I can't be good" "Mike won't play with me because I'm always in time out", "I'm bad!", "I'm not a good kid!"...and this was all at 3 yrs old!  When I told his pediatrician about this she moved with lightening speed to get him into a specialist.  Please, Please, Please, don't take no for an answer!  Your little guy needs help now before it damages his self-esteem. 

The docs were also very wary of medicating a child so young but they saw that it was necessary.  It's the best thing we could have EVER done for him (and us! )  He is still hyper and impulsive at times and he'll never be "normal" but now he's managable and most improtant...he's happy!  He hasn't had any self-esteem issues since we got the meds right!  Good luck and I'm pulling for ya!

Ahhhh...the looks from other parents that says, I can't believe she's letting
her child act that way. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. Putting on
blinders helps a lot. I used to worry about this as well but not anymore.
People have no idea what a parent goes through on a day to day basis with a
"difficult" child. I let them think what they will, I'm doing the best I can
considering the circumstance.

 

The other day we went to a family restaurant. An older lady sat near our table and kept giving my children dirty looks because of their behavior. Now, I am one of those parents who doesn't like their child to misbhave and I always try to reign it in. That might be the problem. Being that my 9 yr old is ADHD and ODD and his 7 yr old brother is mild ADHD not diagnosed, I thought to myself Ok they are kicking each other under the table and giggling. They werent running or throwing food.

I thought it quite comical after a while that the annoyed lady would glare at my boys. I have to say I felt free, LOL. My son has special needs and too bad lady. I am going to do that more often.

So I wondered to myself, am I trying to make them behave so that other people I dont care about and wont ever see again will think I am a good parent? Does this matter, noooo. So keep them within respectable limits when in public. And if you cant oh well you tried. Ha!

Remember there are people going thru what you are going thru. Take it day by day and its not your fault - its the way they were born.

I have three children.  My youngest is the  one who I am so concerned about.  I knew something was different when he pushed another child at around 18 months for no reason.

Now, at four, I am stressed everyday worried about his what his behavior will be or about it. Impulsive, abusive, difficult.  Some may think he is a spoiled brat, I know different.

I had him screened at our public school.  One on one, he did great.  His nursery school, sees the behaviors, but want "to get to know him better".  I think this is great that they are taking the time, and the communication is there.  But every Tues and Thurs at 11:30, I never know what kind of report I am going to get.

I see the looks from other parents, and especially other children.  He can be loud and impulsive.  They are afraid of him.  They don't like him.  I KNOW, I SEE IT. It breaks my heart.  My other two children are effected in our home life.

I did have a appointment schedule with a developmental ped, but cancelled it cuz I thought he was doing better.  But I have rescheduled it for Jan.

I read a post about not liking their child.  I have said this to my husband.  Among other things in angier and stress.  I cry alot.  I yell alot.  I know I shouldn't, but can't help it.  I am sad.  I feel inadequate. Why why doesn't he listen, why does he hit.   Why is he so impulsive?

I signed him up for gymnastics and he loves it...so far.  Honeymoon period. 

I need advice and help.  Thank you.