Forgetful Mom

One of the important things I hope to teach my wild child is that the medicine does not make him be good.  It is only a tool.  He still has to choose the right.  So when I forgot to give him his medicine twice this week he learned quickly that good behavior is still expected.  And he passed with flying colors.  His dad said the second time he could tell that afternoon he was medicine free.  But it may have been that it was Friday!!  We choose to skip Saturday since we were just working around the house.  Sunday he had the choice.  At first he said no, but then changed his mind and took his medicine before church.  I've been reading up on ADHD and both sides of the medicine debate.  I haven't decided if we'll continue through summer.  I think it helps for school, but I also think that there are other things the school can do to help him.  One 15 minute recess in a 7 hour day is not great.  I can't sit at work for 7 hours straight without getting up and moving around.  We have a meeting with the school this week to set up a plan for 4th grade.  Recess is something I want in the plan.  Medicine or not, he needs an outlet for his energy.  Wish me luck!

Bouncing, but not off the walls.

I am an observant person.  I like to people watch.  These past few days my favorite person to watch has been my wild child.  He's had some wild moments.  

Yesterday he had an exciting day.  He had a field trip and Dad got to go too.  Dad said he was good and no trouble at all.  That's a big improvement over two years ago when he went to the zoo and I was required to accompany him because of his behavior. 

Homework has been less of a struggle, but I can tell when the medicine starts to wear off.  Yesterday was a great homework day, today not so much.  He was starting to lose focus and that's when he gets frustrated with himself.  But with a calm voice (I try) of redirection we got through it.  He is looking forward to tomorrow, Friday, because there is no homework!!

He's still bouncing, but not bouncing off the walls.  He loves to take his medicine.  He thinks he's really something because he can swallow a pill (smaller than a tic tac!!).  I've tried to be very open and honest with him and have asked him how he feels about having ADHD.  I ask him if he thinks the medicine is working.  We've talked about the chemicals in his brain and how the medicine helps them work right.  We've talked about still being responsible for his own behavior.  I want him to grow up understanding his body and brain but also not using this as an excuse.  I want him to succeed and grow and find joy in his own journey through life.  He is definitely one of the joys in my journey.