My nearly eight-year-old son takes ADHD medication. I know that invites judgment. Let me clarify what life looks like without those medications. Our family has experienced the chaos that ensues when he goes without them. The noise levels in our home skyrocket, with him making loud, erratic sounds that eventually annoy his siblings. This leads to arguments, which in turn causes him to cry—he’s often not even conscious of the noise he’s making or why it’s a problem. His antics are akin to being at a loud rock concert, but it’s not fun for any of us.
Frustration tolerance is nearly nonexistent for him. Schoolwork becomes an uphill battle. He outright refuses to write because he becomes overwhelmed by the pursuit of perfection, and after just a short while of effort, he can erupt in tantrums. Math problems similarly lead to distress when the concepts become even slightly challenging.
Making friends is tough for him as well, given his behavioral challenges. He never intends to hurt his brothers or swing that plastic sword too hard; it just happens. So, we resort to ADHD medication.
Yet, I encounter constant judgment. Some insist that he doesn’t need medication, offering me concerned looks. They suggest that ADHD is merely a result of kids not spending enough time outdoors. But my kids spend significant portions of their day outside, engaging in various activities, including structured diving practice multiple times a week. Others claim that too much screen time is to blame. My children watch very little television and have only an outdated Nintendo for gaming. They treat educational videos on YouTube as a resource rather than entertainment.
Then there are the naysayers who argue that children are simply expected to sit still too much. As homeschoolers, my kids don’t even have desks!
You propose alternative treatments, dismissing medication, which you view as inherently evil. You suggest I try outdoor play, despite my children already spending ample time in nature, digging holes, catching frogs, and running about. Yet, none of this seems to alleviate his struggles with basic math concepts.
Omega-3 supplements? We’ve tried those too. According to ADDitude Magazine, the efficacy of omega-3s is inconclusive, and there’s no way to test for a deficiency that would require them to be effective. In the end, my child still struggles with communication.
You might even mention CBD oil as an alternative. In my state, it’s hard to trust the products available for purity and accurate dosing. I’m not about to give my children something from a questionable source when proven medications from pharmacies exist.
People also suggest ginseng. Then, there’s the insistence on dietary changes. Yes, we eliminated red food dye, which I agree can exacerbate symptoms. But you think I should take it further—eliminating all artificial dyes and sugars, opting for a completely organic diet. Pesticides can contribute to ADHD symptoms, you say, as if I’m unaware of that connection.
We tried the organic route in the past, and it didn’t yield the desired results. You even bring up allergy testing, suggesting that hidden allergies could be mimicking ADHD. The idea is that if we find and address these allergies, my child could be free of ADHD altogether. The thought of a long list of allergies sounds overwhelming, but you assure me it’s a small price for avoiding medication.
Let me be clear: my son’s ADHD medication is life-changing. It helps him function like a typical child, interact with his brothers, make friends, and learn effectively. Before starting him on medication, I had to teach him to read three separate times. Do you think I made the decision to medicate lightly? Absolutely not. We didn’t take this route because it was easy; we chose it because it was necessary.
So please, refrain from questioning my parenting decisions. My child’s ADHD medication works, while your judgments and suggested natural remedies do not.
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Summary
In navigating ADHD challenges with my son, I emphasize the crucial role of medication in his life. Despite external pressures and judgment regarding alternative treatments, the prescribed ADHD medication has been essential in allowing him to thrive.
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