Parents who have kids with ADD or symptoms of it

[jwebhead]

I have been struggling this year with my 6 year old son with his behavior in school. Had a meeting with his teachers yesterday and was encouraged my their reactions to him and they believe he may have a problem 'controlling' his impulsive behavior. They suggest that he get tested for ADD, not necessarily start on drugs if he is diagnosed ADD, but to at least find out. I have done some research but there is so many things out there. I am looking for suggestions from other parents who are and have struggled with the same things and what they tried and helped them.
As a side note he is off sugar, has been for a while, we keep a good structure here at home so things are not chaotic. And the school he is in is a Christian private school.

Any and all suggestions are welcome (and prayer)

 

[Katydid]

You may look at also removing any processed foods. Preservatives have been shown to effect children with ADD and hyperactivity. Sugar of course, as you know, is always a factor. Also, he may just have a different learning style and there are many books that address this issue. You can find his learning style and try to tailor at least his home study to that style.

 

[Why?]

Ahh... my six year old has the same problem. I, myself, was on Ritalin for ADD when I was in grade-school. I do not recommend drugs. They don't solve the problem, just cover it up; and they have horrible side affects (such as nervous ticks).

My mother was telling me about a list of foods to stay away from if you have these problems (such as food dyes) these foods contain petrolium (spelling?) -- the stuff they make deisel fuel and gas and things with.

When she gives me the list, I'll post it here.

 

[Katydid]

why?

good point. The medicine slows them down, but does nothing to assist in their different learning style. That is what needs to be addressed.

 

[jwebhead]

When she gives me the list, I'll post it here.

I would really appreciate that. I have read things to regarding dyes and such. Reading labels is what I am doing now and I cannot believe the amount of sugar that is in everything...and those things that do not are so expensive. Man, so much for a decent food budget. It is easier and CHEAPER to be fat and hyper than healthy. Our society is getting so out of whack...(okay sorry for the tangent )

 

[IslandBreeze]

I'd be finding another teacher for my child, and if that didn't do the trick, he'd be going to a different school. It's terrifying to see the control teachers are having over parenting. Do not let them put your child on drugs. It will only turn them into a zombie, so the teacher doesn't have to do their job and deal with him.

 

[alaskamolly]

Consider homeschooling.

Most normal 6 year old boys were not made by God to sit in a classroom desk for 5-8 hours each day. It's not a "natural male activity." I know SO many mothers who've pulled their "hyperactive" boys out of school and found peace, at least, by doing school at home.

One mom said her son does his math work WHILE running in place at the table or hanging upside down from a tree. His mother said it blew her mind, but he actually gets more math done this way than he does if he's forced to sit still!

One says that she has her boys do "sit-down" work for maybe an hour a day. The rest of their educational adventure is spent in HANDS-ON, something a typical classroom just can't provide (it's not the fault of the classroom--it's just the way it's set up). Her boys ended up scoring so far above the norm on the standardized tests that she and her husband were astounded (they'd been really worried that the boys would score low, due to their small amount of "sit-down" work each day. They have 5 boys, and keep them constantly engaged in physical labor on a small farm--instead of reading about building a shed, the boys go build one! They keep the house full of good books--G.A.Henty and the like--so the boys are getting really good history while reading about the adventures of various brave men...


Boys are getting rowdy indoors: Mom says, "It's science time! Go take apart the doorknob and then reassemble it--you've got 1 hour: GO!" Better than reading a science textbook on "simple machines" any old day!


It's my opinion that a traditional classroom setting is a very poor place to develop a budding young man, at least in most cases. I think that's probably the reason why FAR more boys than girls are labeled ADD or ADHD and are on drugs. God simply didn't make boys to sit still--they are supposed to be conquering things, battling, wrestling, struggling...that's how they learn.

Some articles along these lines:

http://www.lewrockwell.com/taylor/taylor64.html

http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/index.php?id=25&backPID=22&tt_news=4

http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/index.phpid=25&backPID=22&begin_at=10&tt_news=178

Something to think about, anyhow!

Warm Regards,
Molly

 

[Katydid]

It is true!!! I homeschool and my 7 yr. old has about 2 hours total of sit down work. That isn't even all done at once. He has sit down time at about 4 different times a day. He actually learns alot about symetry and shapes and weights and measures and personal responsibility by just helping me around the house. Reading is done in a relaxed atmosphere where he can pick up a book at anytime that he pleases to read. He does most his reading during errands, where he is in the van for longer periods of time. But, homeschooling takes patience and trust. There are definite rewards, and there are drawbacks. It is an option though. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, the laws differ for each state, but it is possible.

 

[Why?]

Well, then. Page 2 must have gotten wiped out because of that problem yesterday.

Anyway, here's that list that I was talking about:

• [size=+1]Artificial (synthetic) coloring [/size]
• [size=+1]Artificial (synthetic) flavoring [/size]
• [size=+1]Artificial (synthetic) preservatives BHA, BHT, TBHQ[/size]

[size=+1]The child growing up in the U.S. in the 1940's got:[/size]White toothpaste, Oatmeal, Corn flakes, Toast & butter, jam, Cocoa made with natural ingredients, Whipped cream, No vitamins (or perhaps cod liver oil), White powder or bad-tasting liquid medicine, Sample school lunch: Meat loaf, freshly made mashed potatoes, vegetable. Milk, cupcake made from scratch., Sample school beverage: Water from the drinking fountain, Candy in the classroom a few times a year at class parties.

[size=+1]The child growing up in the U.S. today gets:[/size]
Multi-colored toothpaste, perhaps with sparkles, Sea Treasures Instant Oatmeal (turns milk blue), Fruity Pebbles, Pop Tarts, Cocoa made with artificial flavoring, & some with dyes, Cool Whip, Flintstone vitamins, Bright pink, bubble-gum flavored chewable or liquid medicine Sample school lunch: Highly processed foods loaded with synthetic additives,no vegetable. Chocolate milk with artificial flavor. Sample school beverage: Soft drink with artificial color, flavor, caffeine, aspartame, etc. Candy (with synthetic additives) given frequently.


*********

Okay... I mislead to believe that there was a complete list, but this is a pretty good guideline. There is a bunch of chemicals in the stuff we eat now, and that is what is hurting us.

This stuff comes from this site:

http://www.feingold.org/home.html

 

[FranklinNoble]

I'd be finding another teacher for my child, and if that didn't do the trick, he'd be going to a different school. It's terrifying to see the control teachers are having over parenting. Do not let them put your child on drugs. It will only turn them into a zombie, so the teacher doesn't have to do their job and deal with him.

Agreed, 100%.

 

[EmSchmem]

I don't know why everyonwe is missing this but the teacher did NOT recommend that the kid be on drugs automatically. I highly doubt there is some conspiracy here. If the school DIDN'T suggest that he be tested they would be neglegent.

 

[FranklinNoble]

I don't know why everyonwe is missing this but the teacher did NOT recommend that the kid be on drugs automatically. I highly doubt there is some conspiracy here. If the school DIDN'T suggest that he be tested they would be neglegent.

The problem is that you open a real can of worms just by consenting to the test.

For starters, it's real easy to misdiagnose a young boy with ADD.

Once he's labeled as having ADD, you're actually REQUIRED BY LAW to give him ADD medication, in many cases. There have been true reports of parents getting fined, and possibly losing custody of their kids, for refusing to give them the medication.

I'd steer clear of any testing. Leave that to your own private doctor, and keep it confidential. It should not be the business of the school district to tell you what to do with your kid.

 

[yeshuaskid]

For starters, it's real easy to misdiagnose a young boy with ADD.

I agree! It's especially hard to diagnose in boys because they are already so energetic.

Once he's labeled as having ADD, you're actually REQUIRED BY LAW to give him ADD medication, in many cases. There have been true reports of parents getting fined, and possibly losing custody of their kids, for refusing to give them the medication.

I disagree with this, somewhat. I have ADHD and in my state there are no laws requiring you to medicate your child. I don't know about other states. You should really check that out. I wouldn't put it past the government to demand something as stupid as that. (Your statement isn't stupid...the government can be stupid)

I'd steer clear of any testing. Leave that to your own private doctor, and keep it confidential. It should not be the business of the school district to tell you what to do with your kid.

I have to agree on this, as well. Speaking only for the schools in my state, I can tell you, first hand, that they are only out for what is good for them. Being medicated is my only choice, now. I have severe ADHD and I was never medicated as a child. There are many things to decide before jumping to drugs. I would try diet changes and support groups, first. One thing I've found out is that there is a misconception about sugar. ADDers need to stay away from refined sugars. Pure sugar and Splenda aren't that bad...in moderation. Caffeine has terrible effects on many ADDers. Red dye can be a nightmare. Believe it or not, pizza has red dye in it. It isn't just tomato sauce. Drugs should be the last resort simply because of the long-term effects, one of which can be liver failure. I've been medicated for twelve years with no liver problems or other major problem.

Lastly, if your son is ADD...find out the location of your local CHADD (Children and Adults with ADD). They are a great source of support and information. If you ever need anything...please, feel free to email me. I've been an advocate for CHADD as well as a few ADD students.

God Bless

 

[jwebhead]

Hadn't checked the boards for a few days, but THANK YOU for all the information. Have been trying him on some vitamin suppliments...not dyes, but calcium and magnisiun...as well as amino acids. He is doing better keeping his hands to himslf but he is still easily angered. Long haul ahead, but with the Lord's help, I will get through it and so will he. Some days just harder to 'keep up' with him.

Thanks again...