But I feel like I need to get it out!
Two out of my three little munchkins have been recently-ish <-- new word!! ...diagnosed with ADHD. For those of you who understand this struggle, pray for me! This IS a disability and it's very real. You can't spank/yell/discipline it out of them no matter how many times it brings you to the brink of it. If I were to do any of those things every time my kid messed up, that's no longer discipline, that's abuse.
It is a daily struggle to remember things, keep up with homework, stay focused on homework, stay focused in class, stay focused in sports, keep yourself even remotely organized. A lot of the time they feel totally lost and on their own, as if they're being left behind. They're overly emotional, self esteem is low and even the simplest of tasks seem terribly overwhelming before they even begin them. We battle this everyday from staying focused long enough to getting breakfast eaten without stopping 18 times to knowing there was an assignment to do but not remembering a single thing the assignment required.
Before they were diagnosed, I thought they were just being bratty, irresponsible little boys but since then, my eyes have been opened to a new world. A world of peoples opposing opinions about the disease itself, the treatments available and the accommodations that should or should not be made. It's easy to get caught up in hearsay about it all but like with every other situation in raising a child, you have to do what is best for your child and what your gut says is best for them...as long as you do something. The thought of my babies struggling like this everyday through life brings tears to my eyes and a sick feeling in my tummy that I cannot shake. No one should feel like that every day.
For those of you who think it's just another "thing" for kids(and adults!) to have...a fad...you sir (or ma'am) are living in a dream world. Just because a lot of people you know/knew weren't diagnosed with it, does not mean it didn't exist, it just means a lot of people you know/knew aren't getting treatment and that's a shame. It's overwhelming and confusing and DEBILITATING. I'll also point out that this is not a free pass for every thing they do wrong. They are still disciplined appropriately and swiftly. We do not spare the rod but we don't wear it out either. You gotta have something else in your bag of tricks, think outside of the box a little, folks.
To the fellow ADD/ADHD parents, I stand with you. Remember that we can all learn from each other. It really does take a village to raise a child, just pray our village isn't over-run with idiots.
xoxo
BJ
