Report card says meds are helping

Wow, my 8 yr old is in third grade, and I think that this is the first report card _ever_ that did not have a mark of "Needs Improvement". Last year he got "needs improvement" in all of his work habits areas. Plus there are other areas where he's able to exhibit outstanding effort! He is so happy with the results and I'm so proud of him.

If you are a parent, and considering what to do about your ADHD kid, please be willing to try a medication - and know that you may have to try more than one. Once you find the right medication, give it 30 days. Talk to the teacher. Tell your kid about his/her amazing brain, and that this medication can help put the brakes on the runaway speed of this brain!

I feel like it has given my son 30% more self-control. This means that he does not react INSTANTLY to provocation or temptation - he has 30 seconds to consider if it will get him in trouble! This is all he needed to get within the range of other 3rd grade boys (not a group known for sitting still and being quiet).

{We also do other things, in addition to medication: therapy with a child psychologist, rewards chart, push ups for demerits (vs. timeout), homework with breaks to play, lots of love. Medication is only part of the formula}

Good job at parenting all the way around. Wish more parents would realize that meds are only a part of the answer.

Your son is very luck to have parents like you.
Debbie

Wonderful BlackCanary !!! I'm glad that you and your son are working through ADHD and are coming out on top. Your post is very inspirational. Thanks for sharing!

well done, and congratulations, Canary,, you know you have given your son a huge, lifelong gift, of competency~! best wishes,, Gus

That is great news! I hope (I'm pretty sure you do) really push this home with your son, that it wasn't just him misbehaving because he wanted to, and how his medicine is so important to help his body be the best it can be.

My son who is also in 3rd grade just got diagnosed with adhd and auditory processing. I've been walking around just so upset and sad since I got the confirmation. I ran across this forum and I have to say that I'm so happy and inspired to read this post. My son is starting concerta tomorrow. This was my last straw and we just have to do this. I just don't know what to do at home with him. We need to follow more charts and rewards. What kinds of rewards are good? I appreciate any information that I can find to help me be a better mom.

Hey, Gemini, consider that only NOW you have enough information to be able to make a plan, be able to select a treatment strategy, to be able to talk to the teacher about his situation.

Until the diagnosis, we just could guess or assume it was ADHD. Until then, my son heard everyone say "if you would only pay attention" or "if you would only stay on task and finish your work" or "if only you tried harder, then...". Poor kid! There was no willpower involved, he was not being bad.

Now, this year, if he tells his brain "I have to keep going with math, I cannot think about Star Wars Lego right now!" then a) he has not given in to thinking about only Lego and b) he has a chance to redirect himself BEFORE the teacher points out that he's stopped working, or before the time is up and he's only half done.

You will be the coordinator (appointments with psychiatrist, with therapist, with school counselor, with teacher, with social skills group, etc) and the cheerleader for your son. There are other parents in your area who are doing this too, and it will help to find some of them and ask for their tips!

If you got the evaluation and diagnosis through the school, then you may also want to find a therapist or child psychologist through your health plan so that you can have a professional who is not connected to the school system, more independent and can advise on what services or support to request.
Last tip are my favorite books on ADD - Edward M Hallowell MD wrote SuperParenting for ADD, and a few others that you will enjoy reading, it will help you and the other adults understand a positive approach to guiding your son through school and life. Good luck!!

Thats really good that you wasnt afraid to have your son put on meds for adhd a lot of parents have pride like saying they child dont need meds .And you are doing good job on raising him huggs Iam glad that he on the right meds cause sometimes you have to go through a lot of different meds to work.

Wow that is great news! Sounds like your son is well on his way. Excellent job parenting an ADHD child!