Single Mom of One ADHD Son.

I would clean up his diet as best you can...no sugar so his immune system can function properly, fish oil pills for kids by nordic, raw veggies (put powder in fruit smoothy if he doesn't like taste) no sodas, lots of fruit, and 4 cups water daily. the fish oil pills is most important for brain function. you should see a tremendous difference within 2 weeks.

I am also the mother of a child with ADHD.. I would speak with your doctor about this. I am not sure which medication your child is taking, but my daughter is prescribed one of the newer ones, which has a longer effect on her.

Hi S.,
I have a daughter that was diagnosed with ADD when she was in second grade. We put her on concerta and she went from a size 10-12 back down to a 7 in 6 months so we took off of the meds and put her on natural supplements and fish oil with EPA and DPA. I suggest that you go to a really good health food store and see if they can help you. The name of the store that I go to is called Paradise health. I do not know where you live so I don't know what health food stores there are around you. I live in Palm Bay, FL. I know there is several things at the health food store that may be able to help you. There is this supplement that is called Concentrate for kids. If you have a good health food store where you live they should be able to help you. Also here is a website that might help you, at least read it before you put your son on meds. http://www.3stepsadd.com/. I hope this helps. If you would like to contact me here is my email ____@____.com Hope this helps.

L. G.

First of all....look at all the food he eats, like crackers and cookies and things.....stop using anything with Red Dye in it. Second you might try Valerian Root from the natural store....it will help alot

I would give the medication a chance. I would also search around to find the BEST pediatric neurologist to find the BEST medication for your child- people RAVE about dr tuchman at dan marino center in weston fl...

in the MEANTIME, I would ALSO look into diet!
people SWEAR by being gluten/casin free:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_/ai_n24384147

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/GFCFKids/?v=1&t=...

S.,

I have a nephew and a friends son who both have been diagosed with ADHD. My husband and I were introduced to a new product that we've told our friends and family about. Both my nephew and my friends son have been trying Monavie, it's a health juice that has 19 fruits in it including the newly discovered Acai berry. I know you are probably thinking this is some gimmic - I wouldn't have believed it if it didn't happen in my life either but I'm telling you that this might work for your son.

My nephew was diagnosed years ago (he is now 12) and has been taking a morning pill and afternoon pill because the morning pill just didn't last long enough. Even with the pills he has had a hard time in school because he can't concentrate and can't sit still and be quiet. Last year he was expelled from school on the first day! My nephew has been drinking the Monavie juice for about a month now and recently started back at school for the new year. I'm so happy to say that drinking the juice has allowed him to give up the afternoon pill - he and his parents find that he is naturally more calm and doesn't need the second pill.

The pills he has been taking also made him loose his appetite so my 11 year old nephew weighs less than his younger siblings and cousins(3+ years younger than him). The doctors tried switching medications, changing doses and they all had the same effect. Now that he's able to only take one pill a day he's actually able to eat a meal at dinner! It sounds silly but these little things make such a big difference to us.

Please feel free to contact me and I'd be happy to get you more information. I think it's worth trying. It's all natural fruit juice - It's the fruits that God created us to eat. Our bodies need and want the nutrients but in this fast paced society of convenience it's so hard to get. Admittedly, I am one of those who prefers to drink my juice in the morning and know that I got my daily recommended (by the Food Pyramid from the government) fruits instead of having to eat fruit all day. I'm a modern girl of convenience. Plus, so many of the healthiest, richest, best fruits for us are not available in the USA. But in the bottle they are!

I'm not a sales person ~ I'm just a mom, an aunt, a friend who wants the best for my family and my friends. I hope you would consider just doing some research and trying it. Please contact me and I can have some shipped right to your door. * * * I haven't put my information on here because I believe it's against the rules * * *

your son will benefit on a consistent routine--especially if he seems scatter brained or like he just can't remember anything.
Work on short term goals and consequences--one thing at a time. Find the consequence that works.
If it's homework time, eliminate as many distractions as you can. No tv, radio, other things on the table for him to mess with. If after a little while, He seems to be on an overload during the homework time, give him a 5 minute break to unwind and then have him start again.
Try to give him as much play time outside to work off that energy!
Also, no sugary drinks/foods..and if you want to reward him with some, give it to him as early in the day as possible.
Don't give up on the medication but hopefully your pediatrician is monitoring him monthly until he is at a solid base for weight and activity. You may have to adjust the dosage or even the type of medication. Also, a child psychologist may be helpful to give you both someone to talk to and also offer some other behavior modification ideas.
Keeping things on a routine and being really consistent--with all of your children--including discipline--will benefit all of you.
Good luck mama!

It sounds like you certainly have your hands full. If possible find yourself and your son a doctor who is natural and a good nutritionist. Diet can change the behavior of ADD, ADHD, and autistic children dramatically. (My husband is nutritionist and works with kids like this all the time)

I would like to help you as my stepson has adhd and we have been through all of that and more as he is now 16. I have a natural solution for you that my stepson has been taking and he is a differenct child now and our family life together is amazing.

H.
Call me at ###-###-####.

I so remember when my son was this age. First I would advise you to get the books by Dr. Frank Lawlis and better educate yourself for the future. The ADD answer is a excellent book!!! But as for right now. Interaction is the best medicine. When you child comes home from school start a routine with him, Music is a great tool, or play a game let him get all that excitement out. Consider the fact that he has a structured day which is not helpful to a child with ADHD. He has to follow instructions and stay seated and doesn't get to be expressive. Give him what he needs when he walks in the door, but make it clear that he only gets 15 min of "wild time" then he has to do his chores or homework or What ever routine you want him to get into for his age. This gives him your attention and a outlet the two things he needs most when he comes home. Once he learns that you will be there for him and you have set the guidlines then he will be more respectful to your time as well. You let him know if he doesn't respect your time he can loose the priveledge you have given him. I too am a 32year old full time mom of 3 boys and a full time student. I feel for you! ADHD can be hard to deal with but it really is managable even when the meds wear off.

I have read about some reasons why kids have adhd. Has your son ever been tested for food sensitivities or food allergies? Some children have sensitivities to wheat, dairy, or gluten, and their bodies and minds make them act out. If there is something in his diet that is making him act out, all you would have to do is eliminate that food. If you can, ask his doctor to have him tested. Good luck.

Hi S.,
Being a single mom of 3, with one ADHD AND a student is a challenge indeed and I praise you for having the strength and courage to better your life and most of all caring for your children. I have a family friend who is a teacher, 3 kids and a son with ADHD. We use essential oils and supplements along with a few meds. Her son loves using the oils more than the meds and it's side effects. It not only helps him but the whole family as well. You can email me off ____@____.com

Wow, I can imagine how you must be feeling with 3 kids and working and studying at the same time. then to have a adhd diagnosis! Those meds are not really good for him but I can understand your wanting him to calm down. I am a wellness consultant and have been using the natural products I now represent for 21 years and have recommended them to others with this problem with very good results. We have a chewable calcium magnesium formula and some B complex (these have a very calming effect without the drowsy effect), along with a combination herbal and vitamin complex called Mental acuity plus which helps the child to focus. The brand name is Shaklee which has been on the market for 52 years without advertising.
I have an ad on Mamasource as a Mom-owned business which you can check out or my website www.shaklee.net/O. or call ###-###-####. You can also go to www.shaklee.com and choose to order under another person. my main purpose is to help people have better health and to help our planet. We have non toxic cleaning and laundry products which also help our health, in some cases just changing brands has helped people with allergies to function without meds. Also they are so concentrated that they actually save you money!
Good luck! and hope to talk to you soon.
O. H.

S.,
Unfortunately, when you are a single mom, the work falls all on your shoulders. However, attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. Your son will pick up on your frustration and it may accelerate his actions. Try practicing patience and get as much education as you can about ADHD and research whatever natural remedies are out there that you can find at your grocery store or at a health food store. This is very important. Medications should only be used short term until a healthy long term solution is found. He will take a lot of work, but he is your son, and you will have to see him through compassionate eyes and be thankful for him, so that you don't develop bitterness towards him.
Take Care,
T. (mom of 4, 1 of which was diagnosed with ADD)

Raising a child with any learning disability takes a tremendous amount of confidence. Confidence is built with knowledge. Ask the experts what books they recommend and read them! The more you understand how your child's brain works, the more effective you can be in handling any situation he might throw out at you on a daily basis.
One book I highly recommend is,"Raising the Spirited Child" by Mary Kurchinka.
One important message I want to get across is that it's not any special technique that will help you manage your son's behavior, but rather the loving relationship you and him are able to build together. Before you open your mouth to discipline him today, stop and think,"Will what I say or do enhance my relationship or damage it". All children want to feel powerful. What are you doing in each encounter with your child that gives him power, instead of you trying to control the situation. Nurture yourself!

Some children do require a little help with medications, and it sounds like your child is one of them. God bless you! I remember what it was like.

There are certain medications that last longer, and if the pediatric doctor is quite familiar with all the meds, the combination of meds... he or she could recommend either an extended release or longer-lasting brand, or an added small afternoon dosage, that could help. My son outgrew the ADHD. But when he was young, I feared having to try him on medications, because of their side effects. Sometimes it was worth the hassle of giving him all of my attention, than it was to give him something that would cause him to have bad dreams, or such.

Watching his diet and eliminating possible food allergies (reactions?) is an excellent idea. It is going to take a combined effort by parents, grandparents, baby sitters, and everybody, to find the right combination of things that work for him. And you will, eventually. My son's condition was so serious at one point, that his father used to have to tie him to his chair to the dinner table in the evenings when he was three years old, just so he could stop long enough to eat. He also had a bedwetting problem, and I had to cut off any liquids but sips of something after 6:00 p.m. If you decide to try "natural" substances, at herb stores, perhaps get in touch with a holistic doctor first, as some things could make it worse. I pray you are able to find the help you need, and yes, there are all kinds of support groups available for moms like you. It will take much effort on your part, to find the right combination of activities, the right elimination of foodstuff, etc., for you to get this happy medium.

May God bless you richly with good advice in this endeavor.

See if your Dr has time released medication that will last longer or split his dosage half in the morning and half in the afternoon. Speak to your Dr. I'm sure he can help.

Hi S.!

You definitely have your hands full! Talk to the doctor about your sons meds also look into the diets that are mentioned - they are definitely helping my 10 year old nephew who is autisic and ADHD. One thing I learned when I was teaching was that depending on the meds being used they may needtime to build up in a childs system and they should be used at home, on weekends etc if they are going to work at school because of this. This may help a little at home.

I know being a single mom it may be hard but one very important thing is to find him an outlet for his energy. Karate or Taekwondo (sp?) are great because they teach discipline and self restraint as well as helping expend energy.

Michael Phelps our big olympic star got his start in swimming because he was diagnosed ADHD and his mom was looking for a way to use up his excess energy.

Good Luck to you!

M.

Hi S., A lot of times that happens. Call his dr. and tell him everything he is doing. M. H.

Hi S., I understand what you are going through. I am a mom of 2 wonderful kids age 9 and 5. My 9 yr old son was diagnosed with ADHD 2 yrs ago and when he first started his school med (Focalin) I was distraught because it did well while he was at school but when he got home he was obnoxiously annoying. But what I started realizing was that I would tense up when it was time for him to come home and that would make the situation worse. Try to relax yourself during the time that he is in school even if only for 30-45 mins. Then when he gets home from school you will be ready to deal with him. I've also started a routine of picking my son up from school and taking him to the library. The purpose for that is to make him understand that he still needs to remain calm no matter where he is. Then when we get home he is still a little out of control but it's not as hard to bring him back down.
I tend to focus on his problem more than the fact that he is a child. And that is not good. He's still a child and needs the love and attention of any other child. Just don't over due that love and attention to the extent that you begin to neglect the other little ones.
Sorry this is so long but I feel like you needed it. I hope this works for you.