How Do You Help Your Kids Focus?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, you might post in the special needs section. Here you will encounter the folks with ideological opposition to medication and even to the whole idea of ADHD. The fact is that ADHD is a medical disorder for which there is medical treatment. I have no idea if your child has it, but kids who do generally hit a roadblock in third grade when the demands increase and you may be seeing something tht will blossom into a larger problem. The folks who are telling you that its all about worrying about getting into Harvard are not just being mean, but have no idea what they are talking about. Kids who have ADHD that isn't treated (and I am not saying this is necessarily your DC) have elevated rates of substance abuse because they self-medicate. They suffer self-esteem issues and miss out on important academic and social developmental milestones. None of us who have kids with ADHD like the idea of medication. Everyone I know in this situation resisted that step for as long as possible, and most of us regret doing that. I know medication gave my DC a happier childhood.

I also have walked this walk and agree with this 100%.

[Anonymous]

And OP, even if you feel it is premature to seek medical diagnosis/treatment, I recommend you get some books on working with ADHD kids and start implementing those strategies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP, what sort of tests, and where did you go? Sorry, I am not sure where to even begin with this. Thanks!

Inova Kellar center does a pretty comprehensive set of testing and gives a good report.
It was recommended by our ped -- check with your ped as a first step, they see way more kids than you do and have a better baseline.

[Anonymous]

OP -- it could also be diet. That is why it would be good to see a doctor to learn about what it might or might not be.