The ADHD Challenge

Anyone with children knows that there are all kinds of challenges we face when it comes to raising our kids. Some granted are a lot more intimidating than others. In the past couple of years, one of my biggest obstacles has been learning to deal with my son's ADHD. The most difficult thing about it is I'm still learning to deal with my own ADD. How in the world, as parents, do we conquer this never ending battle with an invisible opponent?

Whenever I heard the term Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, I just always dismissed it as a medical term for children who would not behave. I never really thought much more about it, until I began hearing the term in reference to my little boy. Usually, it infuriated me to no end that anyone would think of him like that. Of course, I knew he could be a little hyperactive, at times somewhat headstrong, but that was just him being a regular child at his age. Then he started school. Kindergarten was a bit bumpy, but he quickly began to catch on to the basics and soon excelled rapidly. First grade however proved to be more of a chore for him, he had a harder time staying focused. Second grade seemed like the nightmare that would never end, from week to week, it was like his goal was to see just how many notes he could bring home. It was then that my husband and I knew we had to intervene.

We discussed all our options, and decided that we wanted to do everything we could to help him without putting him on medication. Although, the first Doctor we brought him to wanted to put him on an antidepressant and other medications after 15 minutes of reading the parent/teacher questionnaires. I knew that was not something I was willing to subject my child to. So, we tried alternative treatment, and he began therapy with a counselor. From there, he was referred to a psychiatrist. After a few months of exhausting all other options, we finally gave in and put him on a daily dose of CONCERTA.

With in a couple of weeks, we saw a major difference in our child. Grades began to improve at school and so did his behavior. I love his team of encourager's, what I like to call his counselor and psychiatrist. They try to teach him that his medicine is not a miracle pill, that he is ultimately responsible for his behavior and actions towards the world around him. I've never wanted my child to be labeled as a problem child, and I want him to be a able to shine in all that he does. I do look at ADHD as a challenge, but not as something to use as an excuse for how my child acts. I continue to research ADHD and try to motivate other parents to join together in this struggle that so many of us face now with our children.

Anyone that has any information or a story of their own, please share it. We are made overcomers by the words of our testimony. It's a good feeling to know that you are not alone.