Mothers of Kids with ADHD

Oh L.! I so get it!

There have been times in my life that either I was so full of her that I could not take one more bite, or so empty, I had nothing left to give.

Don't have any morsels of advice here, some days are like that, espeically when it is cold, and the nights are so long. Something about winter makes it seem like I spend more time with my kids.

When mine was little, someone was watching her run circles, and they said "do you drink?" and I said "no" and they answered "you should!" Go have a glas of wine and a bubble bath. Tomorrow will be better (we can all hope!)

If not, someone who spends less time with her than you do will probably tell you sometime soon how "delightful" she is. I always say how much I would like to meet that kid, cause I have never met her! Anyway, it is good for a lift!

Hope it gets better soon.

M.

Hi L., I know what you mean. She's not being bad and you know she can't help it, but that doesn't help you feel less annoyed.

My five year old son was diagnosed with ADHD this year, and he has ALWAYS been exactly as you describe. It's tough when you need a break and they just aren't able to give you one. I find though, that if I just stop what I'm doing and play with him... do the crazy dancing... channel the constant talking into a conversation or some storytelling etc, I always have fun.

hugs,
T.

You have my sympathy. Even non ADHD kids can get on their parents last nerve with non-stop talking, asking, begging, whining. Do consider a time out for whiney or asking something again when you've told her to stop. Also, see if you can get someone to let you getoudadahouse. I presume she is under medical care for natural or medical treatments or supplements to help her not be "that kid?" My cousin had ADHD and wow, what a steamroller. My daughter had ADD, which caused lots of strain and sadness and frustration until we approached it from many angles. God bless. Try this trick: Lock yourself in the bathroom, count to 4 while inhaling, 4 to breathe out, and 4 to pause. It helps your heart not beat fast which could keep your anxiety from getting out of control. Hope early bedtimes are part of your routine too for her so you can have time to breathe.

Well I understand completely and know it is exhausting. I know you aren't asking for advice on what to do because you know by now there is nothing we can do. We can't make them be quiet and still. It isn't possible for them. But, I will tell you one thing that might give you hope. For a lot of girls with ADHD, as they get older the hyperactivity component of ADHD lessens. For my daughter, the innattentive componet came out more and the hyperactivity lessened quite a bit. She used to not be able to sit in a chair without falling out every single time and could never make it through a meal without getting up. Now she can and is much less hyper. So, it gets easier. However, I didn't medicate until she was a bit older so now that I am thinking/typing maybe it wasn't age but Concerta. I can't be sure. Either way hang in there, it gets easier. I go take a bath every night and that is my 20 minute escape. I close and lock my bedroom and bathroom door and turn on a space heater to block outside noise. It is my release and it helps. I find I have to put myself in time out instead of my kids because like you said, she isn't being bad, just annoying!!

Well, what sort of support do you want? I AM ADHD, and as such I can tell you she can't help it. I have to be on medication for mine and I can tell you that I am incapable of getting ANY housework done while not on the meds. I have 3 kids and even if the 5 year old is playing teaparty in her bedroom, the 2.5 year old is playing "choo-choo trains" and the 9 month old is happily eating in his highchair (all of them are being good and not really loud) I am too distracted to be able to actually do the dishes. It is still too much stimulation for me.

My SIL has two. And I so understand what you are experiencing this moment.
I wish I had a suggestion or two.. but I'm an outsider who was experiencing the "honeymoon" version yesterday.. where they are really good for somebody else besides mom and dad... lol.

I don't have any suggestions. But you are not alone. And even my non-ADHD kids (especially my daughter with the NONSTOP talking - and ALWAYS when I am busy with something else, of course) can make my nerves wear thinnnnnnn.
<<HUGS>>

Two out of my 4 children have ADHD..the two youngest..go figure.

The oldest of the two was on medication from age 6-16. It helped plus he was active in sports. He could not wind down enough to sleep so I gave him Cappuccino right before bedtime. I know it sounds weird, but it helped.

It is difficult at times. My 4 year old does the same thing as your daughter.
Sometimes she gets right in front of the TV and demands my attention to watch her dance or sing a song. I love her dearly but I do not watch a movie to miss the last 5-10 minutes of it. She also talks to me while I am on the phone..built in radar when the phone rings..you know? Oh and not to mention the non-stop talking through dinner. I found that "playing the "quiet game" during dinner works...sometimes. In the car, it's like someone flipped a switch. I find the radio works and putting in her favorite CD.

We have a set schedule of activities and I let her know 5 minutes before the transition from tasks. It seems to be working and helping her calm down by keeping her busy. On my days off and weekends, she gets 2 hours a day for time in her room to play, watch a movie. or look at books. This also gives me 2 hours of quiet time to do what I need to do.

You'll get through it. It just takes creativity and patience.

My ten-year-old is ADD, so while we don't get the singing and jumping bit, the distracted, never remember what she is supposed to do long enough to actually do it, Did you see that butterfly? Homework, yeah I think we have homework, Hey, a bug! What did you say? Why did I go upstairs? I forgot my underwear pace of her life drives me batty too. We have a trampoline in the backyard and it is a godsend. When I can't take it, I send her out to jump.