[unschoolingbasics] Adhd questions
[email protected]
Hi, My 6 yr old son is showing all the signs for adhd his 17 yr old half
brother struggled with this all through school and is currently in a group
home for issues loosely related. Had my husband been a child now I'm sure he
would have been highly medicated, as it is when he was about this age they
(Dr and parents) gave him VALIUM, I cant imagine doing that to a child. Anyhow
we knew last year for the brief amount of time he was in Kindergarten that
this would be an issue if we staying in school. As it is we pulled him and
his sister, jumped into un schooling and the rest I though would be history.
I personally love his energy, I hate for him though that others including
close family look at him and sigh and don't invite us over because of his lack
of attention span and what I love to call his bounce off the ceiling
ability! The reason I'm looking for guidance is that last night after being at my
mother for a bit he tearfully asked me what was wrong with him that he
couldn't behave because he tried really hard to be good but he just couldn't sit
still it made his head hurt lol. We have stumbled on by accident that a can
of MT DEW will totally calm him down but I question is that is safe or right
to do. Medication is NOT an option for us as I don't feel that there is
enough to prove that there isn't long term affects. Also his brother who was put
on ritilan at age 5 and had med's screwed with and changed yearly suffers
from HUGE mental issues which I'm my opinion is more due to med's than him.
Thanks for any advice and if I need to clarify anything just ask as I tend to
ramble at time!
Chrissy
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
brother struggled with this all through school and is currently in a group
home for issues loosely related. Had my husband been a child now I'm sure he
would have been highly medicated, as it is when he was about this age they
(Dr and parents) gave him VALIUM, I cant imagine doing that to a child. Anyhow
we knew last year for the brief amount of time he was in Kindergarten that
this would be an issue if we staying in school. As it is we pulled him and
his sister, jumped into un schooling and the rest I though would be history.
I personally love his energy, I hate for him though that others including
close family look at him and sigh and don't invite us over because of his lack
of attention span and what I love to call his bounce off the ceiling
ability! The reason I'm looking for guidance is that last night after being at my
mother for a bit he tearfully asked me what was wrong with him that he
couldn't behave because he tried really hard to be good but he just couldn't sit
still it made his head hurt lol. We have stumbled on by accident that a can
of MT DEW will totally calm him down but I question is that is safe or right
to do. Medication is NOT an option for us as I don't feel that there is
enough to prove that there isn't long term affects. Also his brother who was put
on ritilan at age 5 and had med's screwed with and changed yearly suffers
from HUGE mental issues which I'm my opinion is more due to med's than him.
Thanks for any advice and if I need to clarify anything just ask as I tend to
ramble at time!
Chrissy
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Paige
"""We have stumbled on by accident that a can
MT DEW exclusively and still survive. As most things are...use what
works for your family.
JMHO,
Paige
> of MT DEW will totally calm him down but I question is that issafe or right
> to do. """If it makes him feel better, use it! I know lots of kids that drink
MT DEW exclusively and still survive. As most things are...use what
works for your family.
JMHO,
Paige
[email protected]
I have heard that caffeine can have the opposite effect on some kids.
I have found dietary issues to be a big part of my children's behavior. You
will just have to see what works for you. These things were getting in the
way of my children feeling good about themselves and their ability to learn.
We did Feingold diet for awhile, then used Bioset for allergy clearing and
now we use food enzymes.
I would be glad to discuss these further off-list if you like.
Leslie in SC
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I have found dietary issues to be a big part of my children's behavior. You
will just have to see what works for you. These things were getting in the
way of my children feeling good about themselves and their ability to learn.
We did Feingold diet for awhile, then used Bioset for allergy clearing and
now we use food enzymes.
I would be glad to discuss these further off-list if you like.
Leslie in SC
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Nicole Willoughby
Courtney takes her ocd medicine but its her choice. She was the one that actually requested the trips to the dr because her anxiety over the ocd issue were getting to be to much. She knows though that she is free to stop medication at any time.
So anyhow in my opinion Id gve him control over it. If he wants to say drink a mountain dew just before going to grandma's house know it will help him relax and sit still then great. Hey its a lot cheaper than all the Dr. visits and rx medications !
Is it wrong? I personaly dont believe so and I know its a lot more right than parents who force the medications on their children just to make things easier on themselves.
my 2 cents,
nicole
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So anyhow in my opinion Id gve him control over it. If he wants to say drink a mountain dew just before going to grandma's house know it will help him relax and sit still then great. Hey its a lot cheaper than all the Dr. visits and rx medications !
Is it wrong? I personaly dont believe so and I know its a lot more right than parents who force the medications on their children just to make things easier on themselves.
my 2 cents,
nicole
---------------------------------
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Nicole Willoughby
then used Bioset for allergy clearing and
now we use food enzymes.
My autistic son is on a gfcf diet and its helping but there still seem to me some intolerances going on. Im wondering if enzymes will still help.
Nicole
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now we use food enzymes.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Can you tell me more about bioset ? You are welcome to e-mail me offlist.
My autistic son is on a gfcf diet and its helping but there still seem to me some intolerances going on. Im wondering if enzymes will still help.
Nicole
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Ren Allen
I'd really like to answer a bit more in depth to this whole issue, but
first, could you tell me why he was getting in trouble at Grandma's?
I'd be avoiding places where he couldn't be movement oriented if
that's what he needs at this stage. Is someone expecting him to not
move around too much? What caused the tears? I think some acceptance
of who he is, and the way he's wired would be really helpful.
If it's family, avoid hanging out at their houses and invite them to
yours instead....a place where he can be honored and not feel "in
trouble" all the time.
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
first, could you tell me why he was getting in trouble at Grandma's?
I'd be avoiding places where he couldn't be movement oriented if
that's what he needs at this stage. Is someone expecting him to not
move around too much? What caused the tears? I think some acceptance
of who he is, and the way he's wired would be really helpful.
If it's family, avoid hanging out at their houses and invite them to
yours instead....a place where he can be honored and not feel "in
trouble" all the time.
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
Melissa
I would really rethink why he got in trouble. I'm sure it was from
family members and not from you! But to think that he couldn't behave
is ridiculous. He should be celebrated for who he is, and what his
most excellent skills are. We have two kids with autism, and because
it is an invisible disability, we tend to catch flak for their
behavior. it's our job to protect them. it's also our job to help
them if they want it. For our kids it was a matter of providing
support, providing alternatives. We've also got a four year old who,
if he was in public schools, they would push for testing for adhd.
It's just who he is. We take him places. We allow him to get the
movement he needs. Movement is how he thinks, how he learns, how he
lives. Taking that away would be like taking away someone's vision
and telling them to walk an unfamiliar path. It's not fair.
If other family members are getting on to him, I'd be quick to step
in. I'd not take him over there. We've done that with our kids. And
when people ask why we're not showing up for family gatherings, i can
honestly say that I will not take my children to a place where they
are not welcome to be who they are. If my drunk uncle can show up and
be an ass, then my child can be who she is. TMI, maybe, about my family?
On to medication. We totally do not medicate, and will not medicate
any of our children. If they were old enough to ask for it, then we
would talk about it, but I agree, it changes who they are. Josh has
aspergers. When he gets stressed, we've learned how to breath to
relax. When Bre gets hyper, she gets the chance to run and bounce til
it's gone. We'd do the same for any child. Esp with Breanna, we did a
lot of practice. We figured out how long she can sit. We reward her
greatly for it. At age eight, she can sit for about 30 minutes at a
restaurant.
We did give Breanna dr pepper for breakfast every morning when she
was still in school because the caffeine did help (it's a stimulant,
which is what most meds for hyperactivity are). It did get to the
point where she had to ingest too much for the caffeine to help (like
any medication, it gets to that point) there is a good book called
"The Caffeine Adantage: how to sharpen your mind _____" Something
like that, we got it from our library. Good read with interesting
points. Might be so much garbage, but I liked it.
There is also a herbal remedy called 'calm child' . It works well,
has some interesting stuff in it (like catnip...also a stimulant)
that you could consider. We've given it to Bre, not Sam.
Sam cracks me up, everyone we know loves him. We can pretty much hear
him hum from the vibration he gives off, and just sitting still you
can see the potential energy in him. he's emotional, can go from
joyous to heartbroken in a second. He's compassionate, loving,
friendly, and probably the most loyal person i know. Not bad. It'll
serve him well, i'm thinking. I'd say tell your son that absolutely
nothing is wrong with him, but other people won't take the time to
understand his needs.
Melissa
Mom to Josh (11), Breanna (8), Emily (7), Rachel (6), Sam (4), Dan
(2), and Avari Rose
family members and not from you! But to think that he couldn't behave
is ridiculous. He should be celebrated for who he is, and what his
most excellent skills are. We have two kids with autism, and because
it is an invisible disability, we tend to catch flak for their
behavior. it's our job to protect them. it's also our job to help
them if they want it. For our kids it was a matter of providing
support, providing alternatives. We've also got a four year old who,
if he was in public schools, they would push for testing for adhd.
It's just who he is. We take him places. We allow him to get the
movement he needs. Movement is how he thinks, how he learns, how he
lives. Taking that away would be like taking away someone's vision
and telling them to walk an unfamiliar path. It's not fair.
If other family members are getting on to him, I'd be quick to step
in. I'd not take him over there. We've done that with our kids. And
when people ask why we're not showing up for family gatherings, i can
honestly say that I will not take my children to a place where they
are not welcome to be who they are. If my drunk uncle can show up and
be an ass, then my child can be who she is. TMI, maybe, about my family?
On to medication. We totally do not medicate, and will not medicate
any of our children. If they were old enough to ask for it, then we
would talk about it, but I agree, it changes who they are. Josh has
aspergers. When he gets stressed, we've learned how to breath to
relax. When Bre gets hyper, she gets the chance to run and bounce til
it's gone. We'd do the same for any child. Esp with Breanna, we did a
lot of practice. We figured out how long she can sit. We reward her
greatly for it. At age eight, she can sit for about 30 minutes at a
restaurant.
We did give Breanna dr pepper for breakfast every morning when she
was still in school because the caffeine did help (it's a stimulant,
which is what most meds for hyperactivity are). It did get to the
point where she had to ingest too much for the caffeine to help (like
any medication, it gets to that point) there is a good book called
"The Caffeine Adantage: how to sharpen your mind _____" Something
like that, we got it from our library. Good read with interesting
points. Might be so much garbage, but I liked it.
There is also a herbal remedy called 'calm child' . It works well,
has some interesting stuff in it (like catnip...also a stimulant)
that you could consider. We've given it to Bre, not Sam.
Sam cracks me up, everyone we know loves him. We can pretty much hear
him hum from the vibration he gives off, and just sitting still you
can see the potential energy in him. he's emotional, can go from
joyous to heartbroken in a second. He's compassionate, loving,
friendly, and probably the most loyal person i know. Not bad. It'll
serve him well, i'm thinking. I'd say tell your son that absolutely
nothing is wrong with him, but other people won't take the time to
understand his needs.
Melissa
Mom to Josh (11), Breanna (8), Emily (7), Rachel (6), Sam (4), Dan
(2), and Avari Rose
On Mar 4, 2006, at 6:30 PM, Homeschlfor2@... wrote:
>
> I personally love his energy, I hate for him though that others
> including
> close family look at him and sigh and don't invite us over
> because of his lack
> of attention span and what I love to call his bounce off the ceiling
> ability! The reason I'm looking for guidance is that last night
> after being at my
> mother for a bit he tearfully asked me what was wrong with him
> that he
> couldn't behave because he tried really hard to be good but he
> just couldn't sit
> still it made his head hurt lol. We have stumbled on by accident
> that a can
> of MT DEW will totally calm him down but I question is that is
> safe or right
> to do. Medication is NOT an option for us as I don't feel that
> there is
> enough to prove that there isn't long term affects. Also his
> brother who was put
> on ritilan at age 5 and had med's screwed with and changed yearly
> suffers
> from HUGE mental issues which I'm my opinion is more due to med's
> than him.
> Thanks for any advice and if I need to clarify anything just ask
> as I tend to
> ramble at time!
>
> Chrissy
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
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elizabeth roberts
My oldest, Sarah, is now 9. She's been medicated for her ADHD, but it was a disaster for her. She couldn't eat, and couldn't sleep and she never felt "right" she said. The dosage was never "enough" according to her teachers. Her last day of meds was her last day of Kindergarten.
She will drink a couple Mountain Dews a day, sometimes she'll ask for coffee. I don't particularly notice a difference in her, but she says she can tell she's a little "clearer" when she has some of either.
I would much rather her drink them than take Ritalin or Adderall again!
I also have ADD (I am not usually hyper now although I used to be somewhat as a child). I have tried medications for it, but I didn't like the way they made me feel either! I'd rather have a cuppa joe or two during the day if I feel I need it.
I am VERY sorry to hear that your older son is having problems. I do agree that it is likely very related to the medications. Was he in school the whole time as well?
(HUGS) to all of you as you heal and seek a different route!
Beth
We have stumbled on by accident that a can
of MT DEW will totally calm him down but I question is that is safe or right
to do. Medication is NOT an option for us as I don't feel that there is
enough to prove that there isn't long term affects. Also his brother who was put
on ritilan at age 5 and had med's screwed with and changed yearly suffers
from HUGE mental issues which I'm my opinion is more due to med's than him.
Sing, Dance, Laugh...LOVE!
---------------------------------
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Bring photos to life! New PhotoMail makes sharing a breeze.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
She will drink a couple Mountain Dews a day, sometimes she'll ask for coffee. I don't particularly notice a difference in her, but she says she can tell she's a little "clearer" when she has some of either.
I would much rather her drink them than take Ritalin or Adderall again!
I also have ADD (I am not usually hyper now although I used to be somewhat as a child). I have tried medications for it, but I didn't like the way they made me feel either! I'd rather have a cuppa joe or two during the day if I feel I need it.
I am VERY sorry to hear that your older son is having problems. I do agree that it is likely very related to the medications. Was he in school the whole time as well?
(HUGS) to all of you as you heal and seek a different route!
Beth
We have stumbled on by accident that a can
of MT DEW will totally calm him down but I question is that is safe or right
to do. Medication is NOT an option for us as I don't feel that there is
enough to prove that there isn't long term affects. Also his brother who was put
on ritilan at age 5 and had med's screwed with and changed yearly suffers
from HUGE mental issues which I'm my opinion is more due to med's than him.
Sing, Dance, Laugh...LOVE!
---------------------------------
Yahoo! Mail
Bring photos to life! New PhotoMail makes sharing a breeze.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
Grandmas is a bit limiting as she lives in an apartment. Knowing this we
only go visit like once a mnth. Mom coming here right now isnt an option as
she had a major surgery on her leg and isnt cleared to drive more than 20
miles. Im 30 away. Last night issues where more hed run and play and we were
playing with him and the more we played the more "hyper" hed get in terms of
physical. Its like there is no cutoff switch for whats ok and what crosses the
line and just about everytime he gets really excited someone (normally his
sister) gets hurt. Its not something he means to do more like ok my mom and
him where playing with blocks building and knocking down over and over which
was cool then jacob instead of hitting the cars staged a car accident and
slammed the car into grandma leaving a bruise. We avoid places that set him up
to fail his great grandma is in a nursing home we do quick 10 minute we
love you trips in there. Like I tried to stress in my last post at home we
redirect give him LOTS of active stimulation and flow with him, but he is
questioning why he doesn't seem to be able to go places and not misbehave (the way
he terms it). For me its heartbreaking as I KNOW we have what I thought were
good friends and even a few family memebers who dont invite us to do
anything or come over when invited because they A cant handle him or B think we just
allow him to be a brat.... which couldn't be furthur from the truth. I also
know that part of the mental issues is reaffirming that hes normal as in the
few months he was in school the teacher had labeled him the bad jacob there
were 2 jacobs 1 was the good jacob and my baby was the bad jacob, i never
realized with kids how that sticks but recently we were in a store and a
little girl came up and said Hi Bad Jacob her mom was shocked and asked her
why shed say that she very innocently said mommy that's what Mrs E called him
the bad jacob....... Anyhow Thanks for any and all insights!
Chrissy
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
only go visit like once a mnth. Mom coming here right now isnt an option as
she had a major surgery on her leg and isnt cleared to drive more than 20
miles. Im 30 away. Last night issues where more hed run and play and we were
playing with him and the more we played the more "hyper" hed get in terms of
physical. Its like there is no cutoff switch for whats ok and what crosses the
line and just about everytime he gets really excited someone (normally his
sister) gets hurt. Its not something he means to do more like ok my mom and
him where playing with blocks building and knocking down over and over which
was cool then jacob instead of hitting the cars staged a car accident and
slammed the car into grandma leaving a bruise. We avoid places that set him up
to fail his great grandma is in a nursing home we do quick 10 minute we
love you trips in there. Like I tried to stress in my last post at home we
redirect give him LOTS of active stimulation and flow with him, but he is
questioning why he doesn't seem to be able to go places and not misbehave (the way
he terms it). For me its heartbreaking as I KNOW we have what I thought were
good friends and even a few family memebers who dont invite us to do
anything or come over when invited because they A cant handle him or B think we just
allow him to be a brat.... which couldn't be furthur from the truth. I also
know that part of the mental issues is reaffirming that hes normal as in the
few months he was in school the teacher had labeled him the bad jacob there
were 2 jacobs 1 was the good jacob and my baby was the bad jacob, i never
realized with kids how that sticks but recently we were in a store and a
little girl came up and said Hi Bad Jacob her mom was shocked and asked her
why shed say that she very innocently said mommy that's what Mrs E called him
the bad jacob....... Anyhow Thanks for any and all insights!
Chrissy
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
There are lots of options between doing nothing to help your son and medicating him. I used to help diagnose kids with ADHD and my son would definitely carry that diagnosis if we chose to do so.
Things that help my son are:
Getting plenty of rest
predictable flow of the day/week
massage
eating as balanced as possible
baths
lots of sports/physical activity
avoiding people that he makes crazy
spending lots of time with people that can handle the energy
using calming colors and music in his room and throughout the house
Julie S.
Things that help my son are:
Getting plenty of rest
predictable flow of the day/week
massage
eating as balanced as possible
baths
lots of sports/physical activity
avoiding people that he makes crazy
spending lots of time with people that can handle the energy
using calming colors and music in his room and throughout the house
Julie S.
----- Original Message -----
From: Homeschlfor2@...
Date: Saturday, March 4, 2006 6:30 pm
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Adhd questions
> Hi, My 6 yr old son is showing all the signs for adhd his 17 yr
> old half
> brother struggled with this all through school and is currently in
> a group
> home for issues loosely related. Had my husband been a child
> now I'm sure he
> would have been highly medicated, as it is when he was about
> this age they
> (Dr and parents) gave him VALIUM, I cant imagine doing that to a
> child. Anyhow
> we knew last year for the brief amount of time he was in
> Kindergarten that
> this would be an issue if we staying in school. As it is we
> pulled him and
> his sister, jumped into un schooling and the rest I though would
> be history.
> I personally love his energy, I hate for him though that others
> including
> close family look at him and sigh and don't invite us over
> because of his lack
> of attention span and what I love to call his bounce off the
> ceiling
> ability! The reason I'm looking for guidance is that last night
> after being at my
> mother for a bit he tearfully asked me what was wrong with him
> that he
> couldn't behave because he tried really hard to be good but he
> just couldn't sit
> still it made his head hurt lol. We have stumbled on by
> accident that a can
> of MT DEW will totally calm him down but I question is that is
> safe or right
> to do. Medication is NOT an option for us as I don't feel that
> there is
> enough to prove that there isn't long term affects. Also his
> brother who was put
> on ritilan at age 5 and had med's screwed with and changed yearly
> suffers
> from HUGE mental issues which I'm my opinion is more due to med's
> than him.
> Thanks for any advice and if I need to clarify anything just ask
> as I tend to
> ramble at time!
>
> Chrissy
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Nicole Willoughby
Getting plenty of rest
predictable flow of the day/week
massage
eating as balanced as possible
baths
lots of sports/physical activity
avoiding people that he makes crazy
spending lots of time with people that can handle the energy
using calming colors and music in his room and throughout the house
weight--one of those little pillows with the pellets to sit on their lap.
gum--for my daughter its really calming esp when dealing with the noise of several people in a small space
fidget toys--small slider puzzles, stretchy slime or silly puddy, rubicks cubes, etc.
Speaking of Dr's I miss our old Dr. in texas so badly. She was in an old house and they had a fenced in playyard . So much less anxiety involved when you arent being told to be still and quiet.
Nicole
---------------------------------
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
predictable flow of the day/week
massage
eating as balanced as possible
baths
lots of sports/physical activity
avoiding people that he makes crazy
spending lots of time with people that can handle the energy
using calming colors and music in his room and throughout the house
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>These are great! I also wanted to add that for times when you would like them to be somewhat still ( like the dr office) there are a few things Ive found useful.
weight--one of those little pillows with the pellets to sit on their lap.
gum--for my daughter its really calming esp when dealing with the noise of several people in a small space
fidget toys--small slider puzzles, stretchy slime or silly puddy, rubicks cubes, etc.
Speaking of Dr's I miss our old Dr. in texas so badly. She was in an old house and they had a fenced in playyard . So much less anxiety involved when you arent being told to be still and quiet.
Nicole
---------------------------------
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]