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Hi everyone, hope you are all well. I work with special needs children, and I have an 18 year old daughter who has adhd. I wanted to tell you there is hope at the end of the tunnel. My daughter was severe from birth. Yes, I said from birth. They said her screaming was colic. She screamed non stop for two years. Then she was diagnosed at around 18 months as probable adhd. I read every book in the library on the subject, and began behavior modification. Remember this was 18 years ago, no web to do research on, and nothing more than a few articles and other parents to occasionally talk to. I was a firm believer in non medication. I spoke to many many parents about using behavior modification in its place. I was told the meds drug the kids up like zombies. I worked morning noon and night with my daughter. She was very aggressive, bossy, rude, and sweet and adorable at the same time. You know how it is. I did find that a major contributor was dyes, red and yellow. This is hard, but you can test at home by removing all dyes from your child for two or three weeks. You have to read all labels, it is in everything. Then after a couple of weeks you give the child a glass of red cool-aide. My daughters reaction was immediate! Not all add, or adhd children have this problem, but many do. Removing this from her diet made a 80% difference. This does not work if they get red dye the weeks before. It was a long haul but she has been awesome. I always asked for stern but loving teachers. She thrived in school, and people, she just graduated without having not one discipline problem her entire school history. We are so proud. When she came home though she could be a hand full after controlling herself all day. I began to work with special needs children around six years ago, and I want you to know something I learned. I was working with a little boy who loved to work hard and please us all, but was often a little stinker. Then suddenly the little stinker part took over. We had about four days of non-stop stinkerism. Not only behavior but he could not concentrate or listen. I was doing everything I could, as was everyone else, but he was completely out of control. One day he was really at no good, and I sat beside him trying to find the problem. He jumped into my lap threw his arms around my neck and said help me in a panicked voice. What is it I asked? I can’t be good he replied with tears in his eyes. I took him to the nurse and asked her to call his mom right away, as we needed to know what was going on. This was clearly not just a few bad days. It turned out, he was on meds this whole time, and the parents who were under pressure from relatives removed the meds. PUT HIM BACK ON THEM NOW! I said. He was back to normal in a week. I learned so much that day. I have my own business now working with children who have autism, add, adhd, and other problems. I advocate meds now. We try behavior modification alone first, but if they need more, then I suggest medication. They have better meds then they had 18 years ago, and we know more than we did then. So here is my advice. Start behavior modification, start a schedule, they have to have structure. Put them in sports every year. My daughter was a cheer leader from little league to high school, they need the activity. Also never allow them to quit. At the beginning of each year my two children were asked what sports they wanted to play, once they started they were not allowed to quit, but if they disliked a certain sport, they had the choice to drop it after the season was over, and choose another one, teach them to finish was they commit themselves to. Use behavior charts. I can tell you how to make them if you need help. Keep discipline constantly changing. Stand in the corner, time out, go to room, take things away etc. But most of all, tell them everything they are doing right. We as parents forget to do that. Reward good behavior. If I could go back, I would have tried a med. It may have made life easier for my daughter. In the long run you have to make this decision yourself, I was too busy thinking about what everyone else thought about meds to learn on my own. Also one last thing. At times one of my students came very glassy eyed, and I became very concerned that he was over medicated. When I spoke to his mom, she said, just wait another week, he has only had it for to weeks. The next week he came perfect. I am glad she didn’t take my advice, she understood the meds better than I. He was calm, attentive and capable of more and better work and behavior. Sorry this is so long; I thought someone might benefit from my experiences. My daughter is fantastic, ready for college, and then med-school. You can do it! Hope this helps someone. ↓
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| Name: Layne | Date: Jul 19th, 2006 7:36 PM |
First off I love your name.
I two have been dealing with add since the middle 80's. My eldest son is 24. He was the couldnt stay on task and sit in his seat but he also slept alot. I believe he couldnt cope with the pere persure. So he sleeps all the time. He has had several jobs and quits when he gets bored. he is a bar tender at this point and he has been at this job the longest about 1 year. But he has been on drugs, drinks, is reckless with sex. (meaning he doest wear protection. He tried collage and cant follow through. He has no health insurance so he cant get medical help for the problem. I believe if I would of kept him on medication he would have more of a chance noe days. But it was the 80's and medication wasn't popular even doctors discouraged it. If you can believe that. The way they all push meds now days.
You are correct about the food dye. I can tell when any kid has the crap not only adhd kids. The schools give them alot of food that they shouldn't as well. Hotdogs,red jello. I could go on and on.
Now I have a another Boy named Michael and he is adhd. he is worse then my eldest. I have him on 2 meds. Ritalin and straterra. He is doing better. We have a wonderful school that comunicates with us every sep of the way.
I worry about pere presure. Michael doesnt have many friends. When he does find one he will do anything to please. He did get caught stealing at the pool this year. But we live in a small town and Our police officer here is having him do some comunity service. There isnt any formal charges being taken. he just knows he is from a good home and wants michael to be aountable for something. My husband and I agree. and support the idea 100%. My husband was a police officer for 16 years. So we respect the profession very much. I am so afraid michael will go down the rong road and I try not to worry to much as I know we can only take one day at a time. But thankyou Rain, I truely apreciate you telling your story. You know as well as I how lonely this life can be. Raising a child with this missunderstood desease. layne ↑ |
| Name: rain | Date: Jul 20th, 2006 1:22 AM |
Thank you so much Lane, I love yours too. I got it from CCR Have you ever seen the rain. I am so sorry sweetie that you have had a hard time. We went through tough times for a few years strait, then just off and on with a mouthy little girl. But it’s hard to tell if it is the ADHD or her inheriting that from me. HA! I always told my daughters teachers that if she ate red dye at school they were taking her home with them, I would say you think I’m kidding, but I’m not. One day when my daughter was in first grade she came home and said,” My teacher yelled at me today.” I knew this teacher for several years and she literally whispered all the time, even when upset. I said hunny, that isn’t even possible. Mrs._____ has never raised her voice in her life. My daughter said, well I forgot about the red, and was reaching for the red jello in the lunch line, when she screamed out NO! I laughed so hard. I told her that, that was because she didn’t want to have to keep you at her house tonight. I know it can be frustrating, but you are doing a good job. Sometimes they just need us to help them break the patterns they find themselves in. My daughter has done so well with the behavior, but I have noticed lately how hard it is for her sit still. I tested her one day when I was speaking with her. She cannot sit down with out manipulating something in her hands. I asked her if she had problems concentrating when college started if she wanted to try meds. She said no. I told her she had that option if she wanted. Maybe you can find something’s that interest Michael, to help keep him focused and busy. I love football. My son played from little league through high school. Actually it was late little league, because I wouldn’t let him play for many years. He is a really big kid, and I had coaches chasing me down in the grocery store.
I was afraid he would learn to be aggressive. But when he did begin to play it took us all the first season to get him to actually hit the other players. He didn’t want to hurt them. The coach said this was common with some big kids, because mothers are always telling them to be careful around other kids, so they don’t hurt them. Anyway, they become part of this team and all the kids are tight friends. They learn respect and discipline. The coaches wont allow them to miss behave at school. They are always busy, and well liked by the other students. And no one bothers them, because they are part of the team. But, my sister in-law loves baseball; she says that is the best. Who knows, I know you have to keep your grades up, and you’re self out of trouble. We need all the help we can get. With my daughter it was the same way, cheerleading every day after school. They make many friends this way. And no one minds their extra energy on the field. Keep your chin up. ↑ |
| Name: Layne | Date: Jul 20th, 2006 3:29 AM |
| Michael plays football also. Its the only sport he does like. He starts foot ball came in august. That will be good for im. Toay was his first day back to the pool and i made him write a note of apology to the pool manager. she was his teacher last year. He says he wont steal again and I believe him. He is very remorseful. He really is a sweet boy. Very loving,especialy to his father and myself. Thankyou for your kind words it really does give me hope and Im sure others that read this thread. ↑ |
| Name: rain | Date: Jul 20th, 2006 12:22 PM |
Layne
You may also try speaking to his coach in private. Explain he is having a hard time and you would appreciate any help he could give him. The coach could go out of his way to help your son build confidence and esteem. ↑ |
| Name: Layne | Date: Jul 20th, 2006 7:43 PM |
Thats true, I'll see what I can do. I have great comunication with the principal at our school. Although michael is in a very difficult class. Alot of mean kids. Ive had several teachers say that Its the worst class they have had. Michael snt in that room very much only half the day being he is in special ed. So he's getting alot of one on one teaching. The kids in his class call him retard and other terrible things and they dont except him. so he doesnt have many friends. This is why he is so taken in with the older boys.
My husband and I are catholic and we treied to get michael in CCD they meet after school on wednesdays needless to say that is when the meds ware off and things weren't working out
instead of hanging in there I pulled my kids. Mistake- i let my own insecurities take over and hid us away. That was 2 years ago. Now we are worried although putting our kids first and doing everything else under the sun to help with the adhd. That they dont have the moral fondation a church life offers.
Sunday we are trying the methodis church here in town. There youth group is good I hear and sunday school is on sunday mornings when michaels meds are at the peak. So he will get the full experience. I'm hoping.
Rain I'm telling you all this because I can see you truley understand my life as you have lived it as well. With all the research and med's behavior modification methods and so on.
I know that you know how always explaining and defending this disorder can be exhausting. feeling judged and trying to prove were good and consistant parents. Actually we are probibly more consistant because its always challanged. I think It is fantastic you work with these kids. Nothing like life experience to make you a great canidate for the job. Thanks for listening.Layne ↑ |
| Name: Layne | Date: Jul 20th, 2006 7:47 PM |
| And God Bless the little boy that found comfort and trust, to jump on your lap and ask for help. It just brings tears to my eye's to hear that story. ↑ |
| Name: rain | Date: Jul 20th, 2006 11:14 PM |
Lane,
I am sure you know more about meds than I do, but have you tried time release medication. That is what that little boy who put his arms around my neck takes. Thank you for the sweet comment, I almost cried myself when I wrote it. It was a big turn around for me. By the way, he is still with me and doing great. Hmmm, I am so mad hearing that your son is treated that way in his class. They should put a stop to that. Is there no chance to move him to another class? One year my daughter was in a class that we think they put all the add kids in that year. It was so funny to walk up to the door, and see those kids going every which way. And loud! That poor teacher. She was experienced and trucked right through it. But as I recall she took the summer off after that group. The kids were are great, just too many in one place. How old is your son? That is wonderful that you have the great communication with his principle. I truly feel you are a God send to your boys. Thank you for all the support and kind words. ↑ |
| Name: D | Date: Jul 21st, 2006 12:44 AM |
| Dear Rain. Thank you for sharing your story. I just found this place and am glad that I did. MIy son is 3 1/2 and is VERY hyper. His doctor suggested to me a few months ago that we would visit the ADD thing but to wait until he starts to school to really know for sure. Well like you, my son has been this way since a very young age. Since he could walk he has been running everywhere, he will slam into you out of nowhere and he is sooooo strong. He doesn't think or doesn't seem to be aware of his surroundings when he does things like running and will plow his friends down in pre-school. His teachers tell me he is bad, I know he is not because I don't see him acting out so much when I am observing play time with neighborhod kids. He too can get quite bossy and rude, howver he is extremely smart. I forget sometimes that he is three. I know that I cannot wait until he starts kindergarten to address this obvious issue but I too am weary about meds at such a young age. I just started giving him the flouride tabs as opposed to flouridated water. I just don't like giving such a little person chemicals, but I value what you had to say and that has made me rethink that avenue. It is frustrating at times and I am glad that I found this web site. Thanks again. ↑ |
| Name: Layne | Date: Jul 21st, 2006 1:08 PM |
He has around 15 kids in his class and so does the other class room, so 30 total. No there isnt a option as long as we live in this town and Our house will never sell. I guess we are stuck. The school is fantastic. I have spoke to the school about the name calling and the principal does his best. (Great Guy) This comes from a mom that had a low opinion of teachers and school untill we moved here. I keep hoping they'll grow out of it. He will be in 6th Grade Im afraid the wrost is to come. Then the dreaded junior High, I remember with my older so I thought we would never get through. But everyone is still alive and we made it with that one. HA!
Thats why I mentioned church, I am trying to add the structure church can give. Its not going to be the magic answer but It cant hurt and who knows.
The best part is I have this place to go and vent. There used to be a ADHD website I liked but it no longer is running. Haveyou heard of it now alls I find is the ones run by drug companies. I dont like that. Any ideas? ↑ |
| Name: rain | Date: Jul 21st, 2006 4:32 PM |
Dear D,
Hi, I am so excited that you have found out this early. I like it that your doctor is waiting to decide if he is ADD. Mine was the same way, and he is a brilliant doctor. After I read everything in the Library, I came back and told him, YEP, that’s it. I understand not wanting to medicate now when he is so young, but it would depend how severe it is. I am so glad that my story helped you. I did not have the resources they have today to help form opinions. As I said before, my daughter made it through with no discipline problems what so ever at school and few at home. But I was very strict. Before I found out what the problem was, I babied her, I had no idea why she cried so much, and was terrified. After I learned more about what had to be done, I was on her like a hurricane. This went on for several years, and it was a fight. But I did not plan on loosing, and often neither did she. But I never gave up. I would discipline her, and say go to your room, and she said no. I have to laugh now thinking about this. I never knew a kid that said NO! I come from a long line of hearty Texas women and we wouldn’t put up with that for one second. And here I am with this little girl with every bit of the same gumption I had. Many days I dragged her to the room and held the door closed because she would come back out. It was hysterical, because my mind could not get around that. She also tested very high and was an over achiever. Once I got control, then we began to work on every thing else. I think that all went on from the third year to the fourth. I didn’t let a thing get by, and soon it was yes mam., no mam. The first year that it was better, we still had about five times that year, that we had to do it all again. Then the next year it was three, then two. She is still bossy, but so am I so who knows. The thing about behavior modification, and the other things I use, is it works on all kids. The ones with add, the ones without. The other kids I teach the same approach. I thought it would all be different. There are differences on the approach and language you use, but the core is the same. Start now, now he will be ready for school. Make him a schedule, and a behavior chart. No, means no, every time. Also make him a rewards chart. My daughter was wonderful in school, always the teacher’s helper, always the office aide, always the responsible one, and a peer to others. The only thing now, is she is mouthy at times, like all girls her age. Also begin to teach him his letters and sounds, all the pre-school stuff. You will be fine. Hope this helps. ↑ |
| Name: D | Date: Jul 21st, 2006 4:54 PM |
| Hi Rain. Texas! No wonder I learned so much from your story. My entire family on the Dad side is in Texas and that discipline has been instilled in me even though we are stuck here on the east coast now. You are right No does mean No and time out is a battle sometimes but we get thru it. My son for 3 is quite smart and knows all of his letters most numbers up to 20 and can write his letters so we are on a good track. It is his social skills at school/daycare that concern me. I found it intresting that you mentioned your daughter always being the teacher helper, b/c my sons is the same way. You give him something to do, something one on one that lets him be in a position to help no matter how small and he is thrilled. I hope that I can stay clear of the meds but I do want him to be evaluated sooner than later. I would love some ideas on the behavior charts and rewards charts, I think that would help a lot. And again, thank you so much and everyone here, reading what everyone else is dealing with makes me feel like maybe I am not such a hard A*$ mom after all. Consistency right!?! ↑ |
| Name: rain | Date: Jul 21st, 2006 5:03 PM |
Dear Layne,
My husband was raised Catholic, and I Baptist. We do not go to church, and our beliefs have now morphed into our own views. But I always say, try everything and stick to what works. It sounds like it would be very good for you, and you could maybe find some piece in your heart. I did not. I hate it when kids are ugly to other like that. When I was at a school I was on top of that at all times, it can be done. I was a teacher’s aide, but, we were treated as teachers, so the kids knew no difference. I definitely think more social interaction would be good. If I were you, I would treat his football team to hotdogs at your house. This often helps you form friendships with the other mothers, and intern helps your son. Take a freezer of ice cream to the games to pass out after. Kids with food are always popular. LOL. Another fun thing is to have an old fashion ice cream maker at your hot dog party, kids like to crank it, and most kids today have never had homemade ice cream. Oh, am I giving away my age. I am ACK ACk ACk 40. Some kids just need extra help with socializing, and if he only finds one great friend, at the end of it all, that’s all he needs. I would say he will have many. My son is 20, and girl, the old team is still here every day. I want to tell you about my son. He doesn’t have Add, but he did have problems with learning. My daughter was very high and driven. My son took more time. I had to put him back in the first grade, and he did go for extra help in resource a couple of years. But, sweeet as the day is long. My house was always central station, everyone played at our house. And you know what, I was fun, was I was strict, and didn’t put up with anything, and the kids still love me. Not mean, just expected the most of all the kids here. I still to this day, grab his 20 year old friends and lecture them sometimes. They know it comes from love. Any way, my son became so popular, we could hardly handle it. I don’t think that it ever hurt him either to have a beautiful cheerleader for a sister. LOL. Those boys are still like brothers to her. Anyway, my son had a few rough patches, but we never allow the kids to use anything as an excuse. My son graduated two years ago, he was football team captain, homecoming king, and voted the most popular boy in the school. BIG BRAG. LOL. What a year. And the most popular boy in school had to be home at midnight, he only drank one time, and we were thrilled. Well then he went to college, and found the beer, but that is another story. I am thinking of your son, what an angel. I bet those boys would love to hear a few law enforcement stories from your husband. ↑ |
| Name: Layne | Date: Jul 21st, 2006 7:28 PM |
Having a get together is a good idea. I did the same with my 9 year old daughter Kate. It worked like a charm. Michaels birthday is in October that will be a good time to have them over. parties are fun during Halloween and his age group will enjoy the party ideas. Also the football icecream idea is good and yah have them crank the old time one would for sure keep them out of trouble. HAHA
I was raised catholic but my mom never pushed that. She always wanted us to decide our own religion. She just always said to be faithful to some church.
also my folks lived in ft. Worth for 5 years. we really like texas. Very friendly people there. But now they moved to Iowa to be close to us so they live 27 miles from me and my family.
And hay ya old ladie, I'm 42 ↑ |
| Name: rain | Date: Jul 21st, 2006 8:46 PM |
D
Tell me about your son, what are the top things you want to get better.
What are his favorite things. ↑ |
| Name: rain | Date: Jul 21st, 2006 8:56 PM |
Hey Lane,
This is sooooo much fun. I saw it on the internet, and we did it for father’s day. It is for kids, but my husband loved it, and so did I and the kids.
Here is a site to explain it. http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/
It is called mentos and diet coke. When you drop mentos into diet coke it erupts like a fountain. Your kids may already know about it, but if he doesn’t I would surprise him. It has to be regular mentos, not fruit or sugar free, and diet coke works best, and is less sticky. They can also figure out a way to drop it in quick and re-seal it, shake it up, then loosen the cap, and throw it down hard, now its a rocket. Type in mentos and diet coke on the net, and you can watch tons of videos about it. But allot though, because they want to do it, again and again. Or ask everyone to bring some to his party. ↑ |
| Name: rain | Date: Jul 21st, 2006 8:58 PM |
| By the way YEE HA! Thank you. I love Texas. But when my son went to Kansas I thought those people put us to shame. They are so nice. ↑ |
| Name: Layne | Date: Jul 21st, 2006 9:22 PM |
Really kansas. wow they were our niebor state and alls I ever heard was they cant drive. HAHA
my mom and dad are from kansas.
But I'm telling you Iowans are not friendly. wont even look you in the eye. ITs bad ↑ |
| Name: rain | Date: Jul 21st, 2006 10:39 PM |
| AWW that is sad. They must have a different way to socialize. Also part of my husband’s family is in Louisiana, they are soooooo nice. Feed you until you pop. Take you on tours, and invite everyone to come meet you. ↑ |
| Name: rain | Date: Jul 21st, 2006 10:40 PM |
| Sorry, I have been spelling your name wrong. Reminds me of a pretty street in England. ↑ |
| Name: Layne | Date: Jul 22nd, 2006 1:43 AM |
Thats ok everyone spells it wrong. I dont even pay attention. My Brother lived in Louisiana. he really liked it. very friendly.
my husband is from menphis TN. very friendly. you know that southern hospitality. ↑ |
| Name: rain | Date: Jul 22nd, 2006 3:19 PM |
| I love the south, I love southern writers also. Good stock. ↑ |
| Name: rain | Date: Jul 22nd, 2006 3:20 PM |
D
I would love to help you with behavior charts. ↑ |
| Name: Sera | Date: Jul 26th, 2006 2:26 AM |
Hi Rain,
I just joined the site and yours was one of the first messages I read. I have 3 kids (9 and 6 yr. old sons and 1 year old daughter). My 9 year old also started with colic, but before that jaundice. The colic went on for months. He was pretty much run by 10 months. That’s when the hyper activity started. But being new parents, we did not suspect anything. He struggled with pre school and his teachers weren’t much help. Because of his birthday, he started kindergarten at 4. Still not knowing what the problem was, we had him repeat first grade and hired a tutor. She started telling us he was ADHD. She is a special needs teacher so was able to id the symptoms. We had him privately tested and he was labeled with ADHD. Being afraid of the meds we opted for Straterra. He is now heading to 4th and is up to 40 mg of Stratera. I don’t see the aggression, except when playing with his brother. My biggest concern at this time is his reading. His reading is not progressing and even the tutor is having difficulties helping him. He almost repeated 4th because he failed the reading portion of the standard test by 19 points. Self esteem is low, he is a slow, choppy reader and needs to be forced to read at this point. In your experience do you find this to be a common trait? If so what do you suggest? I am about to look into that "EyeQ" speed reading program. Thanks ↑ |
| Name: rain | Date: Jul 27th, 2006 2:45 PM |
Hello Sera,
Yes I have seen it, it is common. My daughter did not have the problem, but for whatever reason I have seen it in more boys than girls. I do not know about many of the programs out there, as when I tutored reading we were one on one with the books. But I did find that the few programs we did use, the children responded better to simple computer books, better than programs. But, you may hear differently from others who have success with certain programs. So don’t take my advice there, if someone else had good results. For my Adhd student last year, we started over, to build confidence. I purchased books on lower levels so he could read well, and state how easy it was. Then we began to move up in levels. I made up a fictitious student who was reading the same books on the days my student wasn’t here. I made book marks for each child. He would come in to see how far the other one had read, and quickly read past that mark. You know how boys are with competition. Of course he never knew I was bumping the mark. I would tell mom, loud enough for him to hear, “John, is the best reader I have!” You can also make certificates from Microsoft word on line, when my students make accomplishments I give out certificates that I frame for them. Reading at home can be difficult, there are games to play, shows to watch, major distractions. If you can take him to the library it helps, he can discover books that interest him in a setting built for nothing but reading. Also Barnes and Nobles has that great children’s section, he can pick out books, and read them there. This can help build a love for books. They also have kid days where authors come to read, it can be fun! Look up your local book stores and see what they offer. Take him once or twice a week, stick around and read together. It is a good idea to have him read at bed time. Take a bath; get all relaxed then read in bed. After I did the things mentioned above, I would start a reading chart, where he can have a goal and be rewarded for his hard work. Don’t say, go read this book, break it down for him, 3-4 pages a sitting. Encourage him to talk about the books he reads, have him tell you the story at dinner time. Get excited. And I know you will laugh, but, put books in the bathroom. Books with little paragraphs of information. I hope this helps. Good Luck. ↑ |
| Name: D | Date: Jul 27th, 2006 7:08 PM |
| Hi Rain, So sorry that I have lost touch the last couple days. PC at home on fritz and crazy (no pun intended) busy here. But the frustration mounts. I would have to say the major issue I have and that his daycare is seeing is sitting still and listening. He will look right at you and not do what you are asking. So listening and following direction is key. Keep hands to his self and being very aggressive. Some things that he really likes are videos, going to the pool, games, and puzzles. I really appreciate your willingingness to help. ↑ |
| Name: D | Date: Jul 27th, 2006 7:12 PM |
| On another note, I have been spreading the word at his daycare about red#40 and fruit punch vs. something else and have been dabbling a little with my son this week, omitting certain things and then give him something and the difference is night and day. Example: Since I read your intro. I omitted the red juices. He has not had any. YESTERDAY however for snack at school the class had cookies and fruit punch. When we picked up the kids it was like entering a war zone. I will be reading up a bit more on the Red#40. But I am a believer that it is probably best left in the bottle. Thanks again! ! ! ↑ |
| Name: Sera | Date: Jul 28th, 2006 2:16 AM |
| Thanks Rain. I will try that. ↑ |
| Name: Izzy boo | Date: Jul 28th, 2006 2:17 AM |
| Thank you for the information about the red dye. I am a 29 year old mom who has an adult form of ADD with a logical disorder. I was digonosed at 20. Even with all my research that I did I still didn't come across the red dye. Question? do you come across parents that have the adult form? ↑ |
| Name: Layne | Date: Jul 28th, 2006 1:14 PM |
| Just put in your search ADHD and diet you should get a bunch of information on what to stay away from. I warn you you'll wonder what they can eat. but not every kids reacts to the same. But the red dye is not good for ay kids. I have seen non adhd kids go nuts as well. I would stay away from any dyes in kool aid and juices. we stick with apple and white grape. ↑ |
| Name: rain | Date: Jul 28th, 2006 1:52 PM |
D,
Here is a site to print a free behavior chart.
http://www.latitudes.org
/behavioral_charts.html
Start
with teaching him to sit nicely in a circle, like they will have at school. Every day, tell him it is circle time. Sit him down, and use stuffed animals to represent the other children, also siblings, or visiting children can help. Explain the rules. You must sit still, and have quiet hands, and quiet mouth. Put your listening ears on. You may not touch the others in the circle. Show him the behavior chart. You can buy stickers for it, or download little pictures that you can glue on with a glue stick. Google images is a good place to down load images. I would use a happy face, and a sad face. There is happy behavior and sad behavior. You can then, read a story book, sing a song, like head shoulders knees and toes. It would help you to buy a cd of pre-schoolers music, you could sing along with. Then put together a puzzle. Give each animal a piece, and you behave like you are another child, and add your piece. This will also help teach sharing, and waiting your turn.
Explain the chart first: If you touch others, I am sad, you get a sad sticker. If you are not listening, I am sad, you get a sad sticker, if you do not have a quiet mouth, I am sad, and you get a sad sticker. When you sit nice, I am happy, you get a happy sticker, when you do not touch, I am happy, you get a happy sticker. Good listening, I am happy, you get a happy sticker. Set your goals. 3-5 happy or sad stickers at first, then adjust it as he gets better, raise the bar. If you are reading your story and he is sitting nicely, stop and say, I am happy; you are doing a good job. As he gets better at this, try not to comment until the story is finished. Stop and clap when he is not touching others, YEA!!!!! You make me happy! Good job! You can tell him what his treat will be for getting so many happy stickers, like a trip to the pool. But, if he has too many sad ones, say, I am sorry, too many sad stickers, we cannot got today, or what ever you decide his treat is. Be prepared for the fit, and do not give in! After a week, tell him if the teacher says he was good at school, he gets stickers when he gets home. Sorry this is all over the place; it is sometimes hard to get the info out of the brain onto the paper in the right order. LOL. You can use this same concept for all behaviors you want to change. ↑ |
| Name: rain | Date: Jul 28th, 2006 1:58 PM |
Izzy,
Yes, it runs in families. Also stay away from medication with red dyes, ask for and buy, dye-free. I found yellow to be a problem, also. As Layne said, you can research on the net. A blue pop cycle has red dye. Frozen pizzas. It is a pain, but well worth it for those who find the relief at the end of the tunnel. ↑ |
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