Help with ADHD Kids

Hi,
First of all, as a mom with a child with ADHD, I want to recognize how hard it can be, especially in the am before the meds kick in. I do the charts, too, and have my kids pick a reward they'd like to earn. Once they've earned a certain number of points, they get the reward. But having TWO kids with ADHD plus another-that must be hard! I don't know about you, but I have the worst problems with my child when we're rushing in the am. I find that when I can get up a little earlier, things work much bettter since it takes her about ten times the amount of time as a non-ADHD child to get ready in the am.
Good luck!

I know exactly how you feel. Our son now eight was diagnosed with ADHD when he was six. His father and I tried EVERYTHING!!!! We were adamant about not putting him on med and tried every other option out there. The only issue I had with our decision was that I mostly the only one dealing with his behaviors. It was the hardest thing ever. After we tried all the options his pediatrician told us and after we put him in counseling and nothing worked we finally made the decision to try meds. It was like night and day. He totally changed. It not a fight to do the simplest things anymore. We used fight over things from can you get dressed, brush your teeth, time to go, everything. You name it we fought over it. Granted meds aren't for everyone and we tried our hardest to do anything and everything else first. But I really feel like I have my son back. Hope this helps.

Hi A.,
Have you checked out flylady.net? A lot of the principles used are exactly what people (even chlidren) with ADHD need. She has a student control journal to help them through morning and night routines and even ideas to adapt the routines for children who can't read yet. The idea of an Office-in-a-bag is a great idea for you sons' school supplies and will help teach them skills they can use for the rest of ther lives. Good luck.

K.

A., Hi, I have an 8yr old with ADHD, PDD, ODD & sensory Intergration..so I feel your pain. What I do:

Go buy popsicle sticks
Buy 1 container to put them in

(How it works)

Every good deed or something they do they earn a stick.
Everytime they listen to an instruction example.."Johnny, please get dressed now" or "Johnny please clean your room" They get another stick.
Doing homework (my problem area) without a fight, they get 3 sticks.
BUT here is the catch...
Everytime they do not listen or say no or yell they lose a stick.

On Fridays you count the sticks earned with your child in the container, and for each stick we give 25 cents.

It has worked so far...

Good luck...

D.

i have three children with adhd and bipolar it is very hard dealing with them on a day to day basis,i take it one day at a time.

Bless your heart! I have a 9 yo with ADD, and wonder how you can manage two! Good for you! Anywho, I know you said you tried charts, but I have found that with my daughter, charts are the only thing that help her through the day. It has been proven that charts and lists that kids with ADD/HD can check off things on, make them feel better about themselves, and get to their accomplishments easier. I make sure my daughter bathes in the evening, when it is less hectic, and we lay out everything the night before. Her clothes, socks, shoes, backpack, and sometimes even the bowl, spoon and cereal are on the table the night before. She goes about her morning, checking off everything on her list, and I don't have to tell her what to do next. Since your children are younger, you can draw or print out photos of the activities on a chart, so they will not have to read the activity if they are not able. I also have an award system. She has what I call 'Behavior Bucks'. If she checks everything on her chart, and of course actually does them, she gets a paper money dollar at the end of the day. If she does not behave (lies, draws on the wall, doesn't listen, etc.) she gets one taken away. When she has saved up 10 'bucks', she gets to pick a special activity like one on one time with me, a small toy, a movie rental, etc. Something she wants. It has seemed to work well for us for about a year now, and she is off all stimulant meds. I say try it again, and keep at it. ADHD kids need to know whats next in their day. The charts can make it a little easier, and maybe the reward insentive will give them that extra push to follow through! Good luck!

Hello A..
I have a son that is 5 1/2 years old. He too has ADHD and he also has O.D.D and a sleep disorder. I too have a difficult time getting him ready for school in the morning. I actually asked his doctor what to do about this, and this is what he told me.... He said to wake up my son early and give him his meds at like 5am. This way by the time your getting them ready they will co-operate. I know some meds need to be given after the children have eaten and this is why I can not do that. But I thought I would share this with you. Good luck, and if you figure out or find away to get your sons to work with you in the morning. Please let me know..... Thanks

A., I have four kids and at that age the mornings are difficult anyway. So because your kids have Adhd it makes it worse. Just stay as consistent as possible. Also, I work for a Wellness Company and have some information that I could email to you about adhd. If you want the information respond with your email and I will forward it to you. Im sure you have read alot of information but my company uses natural ingredients and has a line of vitiams that is supposed to help with add and adhd. Good Luck!