During my son’s first week of kindergarten, he attempted to escape. He resisted teachers trying to guide him inside, ignored their requests, and displayed tantrums that were beyond comprehension. Naturally, the school reached out to us, arranging meetings to discuss their growing concerns. We attended, feeling bewildered by the child they described, as this was so different from the boy we knew.
Before kindergarten, we had noticed some unusual behaviors. At two years old, he could sit for hours fixated on the wheels of his toy cars, becoming upset if we suggested switching activities. He required assistance to develop his speech and fine motor skills, but we had never observed any significant behavioral challenges. In preschool, he effortlessly made friends, adored his teachers, and seemed like any other typical child.
However, we took the school’s concerns seriously. After two months filled with meetings, assessments, and questionnaires, our son was diagnosed with ADHD.
Fast forward to third grade, and many of the same challenges persist: incomplete schoolwork, ignoring requests, zoning out, distancing himself from peers, and failing to follow directions. We’ve tried countless strategies—he’s made efforts too. Here’s a rundown of our attempts:
What We’ve Tried:
- Love and affection
- Consistency and structure
- Varying screen time limits
- Rewards based on behavior—daily, weekly, or even just for trying
- Dietary adjustments—no sugar, gluten, or dairy, and then back again
- Setting strict boundaries and consequences
- Various forms of therapy: talk, behavioral, physical, and even specialized techniques
- Comprehensive testing for vision, hearing, and autism spectrum disorders
- Guilt trips regarding his behavior at school
- An Individualized Education Program (IEP) and ensuring it’s implemented
- Collaboration with teachers and school staff
- Choosing his own summer camp activities with incentives attached
- Reading self-help books like Raising Your Spirited Child
- Most importantly, showering him with love and affirmations
What We Haven’t Tried Yet:
- Medication
What’s Next on Our Agenda:
- Continue with our love and support, reminding him daily of our unwavering affection
- Explore medication
If medication doesn’t yield results, it will merely join the list of our attempts to support him. Perhaps instead of concluding that list, it will simply expand. But for now, we are ready to take this step with hope. Whatever comes next, we are prepared, though it often feels like we’re balancing on a tightrope of uncertainty.
Now, who’s ready to join me? Let’s leap together: Geronimo!
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In summary, parenting a child with ADHD is a multifaceted journey filled with trials and adjustments. Each new strategy is a step forward, and we remain committed to supporting our son with love and understanding.
Keyphrase: ADHD parenting strategies
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