Updated: November 15, 2023
Originally Published: November 15, 2023
My child is prescribed ADHD medication, and he’s nearly eight years old. I can already feel the judgment raining down on me. But let me share what life looks like without those meds. We’ve experienced it, and it’s a whirlwind of chaos—not just for him, but for his siblings and our entire family.
Without medication, he creates loud, unpredictable noises that eventually frustrate everyone around him, leading to his brothers shouting and him bursting into tears, often unaware of the disturbance he’s causing. It’s as if he’s just left a heavy metal concert, singing and yelling at the top of his lungs. Frustration tolerance? Nonexistent. Homework becomes a battleground where writing is rejected because it isn’t perfect, resulting in tantrums after just a brief struggle. Math is similarly futile when the concepts start to get tough.
He struggles to connect with peers, and behavioral issues complicate interactions. He never intends to hurt his brothers with that plastic sword, yet it happens. So, we turn to ADHD medication.
You may believe he doesn’t need it. You give me that disapproving look, suggesting that ADHD is merely a byproduct of kids not spending enough time outdoors. My kids spend hours outside, digging holes and engaging in structured activities like diving practice.
Others claim it’s too much screen time that’s to blame. My children hardly watch TV—they only have an ancient Nintendo system, and they think of YouTube as a tool for educational content. You might say it’s about expecting children to stay still for too long, but my kids are homeschooled and don’t even have desks.
Then, there are those who want to “cure” him with alternatives to medication, believing that pharmaceuticals are inherently evil. Here’s the kicker: I’m a woman with ADHD who requires the maximum FDA-approved dose of Adderall to navigate daily life.
You suggest outdoor activities to alleviate ADHD symptoms, but my children already immerse themselves in nature. They catch lizards, toads, and frogs while digging in the dirt. We visit green spaces often, yet my child still struggles with basic concepts, like identifying the ones place in math.
When you bring up Omega-3s, I tell you we tried them. But as ADDitude Magazine points out, their effectiveness isn’t clear-cut, and you can’t test for a deficiency. We gave them a shot, but his volume remained cranked up to eleven.
Then there’s the suggestion of CBD oil. In my state, I can’t trust the quality of what’s on the shelf, considering the inconsistencies in dosages and purity. Peer-reviewed studies would be necessary before I even consider it. I’d rather rely on the FDA-regulated medication I can get from a pharmacy.
I’ve also been bombarded with advice on diet. Yes, we eliminated red food dye, which I agree can worsen his symptoms. But then you insist on cutting out all artificial colors and sugars, pushing for a completely organic diet because, obviously, pesticides must be the culprit behind ADHD symptoms.
Didn’t I know this? Why haven’t I switched to all organic yet? We tried that approach before, and it didn’t help.
You even suggest I get him tested for allergies, asserting that hidden allergies could be mimicking ADHD. If only I could identify those allergens, I wouldn’t need medication anymore. But is a long list of allergies really a fair trade-off to avoid ADHD meds?
Let me be clear: my child’s medication saves him. It allows him to engage with his brothers, make friends, and learn. I had to teach him to read three times before we started medications. Trust me, I didn’t choose to put him on stimulants lightly.
We didn’t take the easy path; we chose the only viable option. So please, refrain from questioning my parenting decisions. My child takes ADHD meds because they work, and your judgment or suggestions for “natural remedies” are not helpful.
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In summary, my child’s ADHD medication is essential for his well-being, allowing him to thrive and engage with the world. The alternative remedies and judgments from others only add unnecessary stress to our lives.
Keyphrase: ADHD medication
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