After months of struggling with our daughter, Lily, to complete her homework—weeks where it would take us three hours to tackle just 30 minutes of assignments—our family was at a breaking point. Report cards with declining grades and teachers noting Lily’s difficulties in focusing in class became a common theme. Homework was often a battle, with piles of unfinished work coming home each week. My partner, Alex, and I took turns working with her, trying to help her without losing our sanity. Eventually, we realized we needed professional help and made the decision to consult a pediatrician.
Lily was 8 years old and had always faced challenges in school, but it wasn’t until third grade that tasks requiring concentration seemed nearly impossible for her. I would sit beside her at her desk, watching as she fidgeted, doodled, or stared into space rather than engaging with her homework. Even our weekends turned into frantic attempts to catch up, but when a simple division problem took ten minutes to address, the thought of completing thirty felt overwhelming.
We tried various strategies: breaks, positive reinforcement, and rewards, but nothing seemed to work. It became clear that the struggle to complete schoolwork was consuming our lives. Finally, we found ourselves in the office of our enthusiastic pediatrician, armed with a stack of forms filled out by us and Lily’s teachers.
Lily was with us, while our younger kids stayed with a sitter. After reviewing the information, the doctor said, “She exhibits all the characteristics of ADHD. I’m going to provide you with resources to assist Lily in her studies, and I also recommend considering an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).” Then, she brought up the possibility of medication. “I understand some parents are hesitant about ADHD medication, so it’s ultimately your decision. However, I’ve seen it make a significant difference for many children.”
Alex immediately shook her head, clearly against the idea. I, however, was more receptive. Having spent nearly a decade in higher education, I had witnessed the transformative effects of ADHD medication on struggling students. But this was not solely my choice nor Alex’s; it required a conversation as parents, ensuring Lily felt included in the process.
On the drive home, we discussed our worries and researched the potential effects of medication online. This led me to reflect on my own upbringing. While not formally diagnosed, I recognized many traits of ADHD in myself. In the 90s, I was often labeled a problem child, ending up in remedial classes and barely graduating high school. I didn’t even learn basic skills like typing until my 20s. “I don’t want that for Lily,” I told Alex.
After weeks of deliberation, gathering insights from teachers and friends, and even asking Lily for her opinion (which received a nonchalant shrug), we decided to allow our family doctor to prescribe Ritalin, to be taken only on school days.
The following week was a revelation. I came home to find Lily at the kitchen table, diligently outlining an essay about why she loves school. She didn’t even look up as I entered; she was so focused—something I had never witnessed from her before. “How long has she been working?” I inquired. “Probably about 15 minutes,” Alex replied. To me, that felt like a monumental achievement.
Months have passed since we started the medication, and with the IEP in place, Lily is now on track in her studies. While she may not have straight A’s, she’s completing her assignments and passing her classes. Homework time has drastically decreased from hours to less than an hour each night, giving us more opportunity for family activities.
One Tuesday evening, I returned home late to find Lily reading in bed with a flashlight. When I asked about her day, she beamed and said, “I finished all my homework!” It was heartening to see her no longer view homework as a daunting challenge but as something achievable. I gave her a high five, followed by a warm hug, feeling a deep sense of pride.
Every family’s journey with ADHD medication is different. This is ours, and it’s been working well for us. I’m incredibly thankful for the progress Lily has made.
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Summary:
After months of struggling with their daughter Lily’s homework and focus issues, Jamie and Alex decided to consult a pediatrician, who diagnosed Lily with ADHD. They weighed the pros and cons of medication and ultimately opted for Ritalin, leading to a remarkable improvement in Lily’s focus and school performance. Their journey illustrates the challenges and decisions families face regarding ADHD medication, culminating in a positive outcome for their daughter.
Keyphrase: ADHD medication decision
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