My Choice

I have received more criticism than I have positivity regarding my recent decision to publicly blog about my life and my son's diagnosis of being a "young child with development delays socially and emotionally" and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). I knew that in starting this blog I would more resistance than open arms and I was prepared for that. Someone asked me was I embarrassed by my son. What kind of mother would I be to be embarrassed by something that my child has no control over? He isn't acting out because he WANTS to, he can't help it! Now I will be the first to admit that my son is extremely smart and knows that certain behaviors will get certain reactions, what child doesn't know what buttons to push on their parents? I have never been one to walk away from a challenge, so with that said...this is my life as a mother to a wonderful child who suffers from ADHD. Welcome

Tip of the Day

Being a parent is hard work when you have a child who has no abnormalities, while ADHD isn't crippling or a visible disability it is still a disability in some sense. Daily tasks can often become tiresome when they should be simple. Be patient with your child and allow yourself time to breathe and relax. Try not to get frustrated and lose your temper, your child feeds off of your energy. Remain positive!

"The Diagnosis"

In late February of this year my then 4 year old son was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). After being referred to a family behavioral specialist by the school social worker, my son was "Labeled". For me, this was devastating, I slipped into a depression and cried everyday for a week. My son, my baby, had a disability. This is what in mind it meant for him to have ADHD. No mother wants to put her child on such harsh medications such as the ones prescribed to the disorder.
I observed my son's daily interactions at home as well as in school, it was then that I realized if I didn't get him the help that he needed that I was only hurting him more. He had no control over his impulses or his inability to focus. Without knowing he was doing so my son was suffering and as his mother it was my JOB to end that suffering. I took him to his pediatrician who gave a second confirmation that my son did in fact have a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Being a young single mother of just one I had no clue on what to do next besides to get him on medication. I was reluctant to do so do to the horror stories I'd been told about putting a child on stimulants and controlled substances. All I could do was educate myself on my son's condition and our options. And that's exactly what I did.