As a mom, how can I make an informed decision about whether to put my child on medication for ADHD, and what should I consider to ensure it’s the best choice for their well-being? -Lily
Update: I am facing this exact question as a mom myself right now. I was now able to take my own advice. It’s not easy to hear your child has suspected ADD or learning disabilities. Your child will be successful because of their challenges (superpowers).
This is a really tough one. I am not a licensed mental health worker, nor a doctor so this is a real mom to mom advice.
I understand the hesitancy. I don’t know your child at all so I’m going to answer this one a little differently than my other questions.
Have you ever read the book “No David?” by David Shannon. Where a child goes about his day and is constantly told no, for things and actions that definitely deserve a no. The book isn’t justifying why kids should do whatever they want, rather it is supposed to make us understand a child’s perspective. (This book is actually based on David Shannon’s diaries).
I think a big piece here is how much is your child suffering? Are they feeling down, do they constantly get in trouble? Is this affecting their self confidence, success etc.
Medicine doesn’t have to be forever. But if you want your child to succeed without medicine, you can’t deny them tools for success.
A second piece is looking at their environment. Did you know that red#40 can cause children to mimic ADD symptoms? So much of our environment affects behavior. It’s a massive expense so it’s not easy, and our mainstream medical system does not support cleaning up our diet from toxins, and the rabbit hole is endless. (I am saying this as I have gone down that hole, and the only way out is to live on a homestead far away from civilization and a massive bank account.)
The point is to see if there are little changes you can make to support your child so that the reliance isn’t only on medicine. Check out Just Ingredients or other functional doctors that may have alternative solutions along or without medication.
Make sure their environment and schedule is catered to them in a way that will help them succeed.
One last thing, talk to parents who have been in this dilemma. It’s eye opening when we speak to people who had to take the leap, or had to find an alternate route. Just make sure you are keeping your child’s wellbeing in mind, not just judgment of others.
Just a word of warning, when entering this stage many parents will just react to the school and blame the teacher. Have some empathy about the myriad of criticism the school and teachers receive. You can always ask if this is the right school for my child, but do not blame your child’s diagnosis on the teacher and admin trying their best. (Just look at teacher burnout)
I wish you all the best! Just breathe, and remember, ADD can be a superpower. Don’t think that every hurdle your child faces, will mean they won’t have a chance at success.
