I think parents reach for the pill bottle because they are hoping for an easy solution to a difficult problem. Lots of kids have learning difficulties that have nothing to do with how they are parented. Often, these LD issues are overlooked by both the school system and pediatricians. Not being able to read adequately, not being able to process information at an acceptible rate, etc can cause a child to be upset, angry, and uncooperative. Because they are frustrated.

Parents of such children do need to learn to parent differently and do need to advocate for their child both within the school system and when accessing professionals such as pediatricians, behavioral specialists.

When I say "learn to parent differently" it is not to imply that such parents are not competent or are somehow shirking their parental responsibilities. I mean that an LD kid requires a different approach. My child is LD and had lots of behavior issues at school and in the home - as a direct result of being LD. As parents of an LD child that struggled with behavior I can assure you that it is not easy. You have one group of people - and some from your own family - who are very sure that you are not being strict enough, or allowing too much TV, or allowing too much sugar, are not doing the "tough love" thing. And then the other group who think you are overly strict, not spending enough "quality" time, etc.

I've gone through all that - and there were many times that I just wish a magic pill administered once a day would "fix" my child. An offer to "try this med and see what happens" was the first words out of the pediatrician's mouth. And so it can be so easy for weary beaten down and desperate parents to accept that promise from a pill bottle to fix their child who is just not enjoyable to be around any more.

I'm sorry to be so touchy about the subject, it is just that I often feel very bitter and angry at the grief that we as a family had to endure before my son was finally tested and it was discovered that he had learning disabilities that were overlooked by the school.

Most parents want to do right by their kids - and all kids who have behavior issues don't have idiot parents who don't know how to set boundaries. Nor do all behavior challenged kids need to be medicated into submission. LD is a brain wiring issue... one that cannot be "fixed" by medication. Such a child CAN be taught compensation skills and such a child can get specialized education that can make a positive difference.

Badly behaved kids have more than just two reasons (valid mental health issues that require meds or stupid parents) for their behavior. Maybe the intervention is years of special ed and tutoring. But that costs money and takes a lot of effort over a years of time. Pills are cheaper and the "calming" effect rather immediate. The seduction is so easy.

And I don't go along with the excuse from the professionals that parents demand it and if they don't write the prescription some other MD will. Then you the professional take a stand and don't write that prescription. Be the one to do the right thing. How can you live with yourself to just throw up your hands and "go with the flow". Parents depend upon professionals to give their opinion. This isn't candy we are talking about. And so this is a longer response then I intended. I just wanted to comment about the stupid parent angle regarding poorly behaved children.