Op here. We are doing daytrana and it does seem to make him calmer and more focused and less impulsive. I love that it does not have the rebound. We could not handle a regular in out stimulant. But he is certainly no less oppositional. Or defiant.

Anonymous wrote:This sounds similar to how my son was at this age - also ADHD. Does your son take meds? If so, change them. If not, get on them. The right medication changed my son's life (and mine).

NP here -what medication worked for your son that behaved like this? I have an oppositional 6 year old with ADHD. He has gotten better with age, but in general the kid just wants to do what he wants to do - period. He is on the lowest dose of Focalin (generic) short release 2 x per day. It helps somewhat, but I am concerned about the side effects (weight loss, seems like he has on and off tics). I don't think the medication is at the ideal dose but increasing it will just increase side effects, and I don't want to do that.

We tried taking him off it for a couple days - and those were a disaster. He clearly needs something to help him focus and keep it together.

His psychiatrist is suggesting adding something like Zoloft to help with the mood aspect - saying that perhaps it will lessen his rigidity, take the "edge" off, help with impulse issues. We tried to do Strattera, but he could not swallow that pill. He can swallow smaller ones - just couldn't get that one down, so its not an option right now.

I know every kid is different, I'm just curious to hear what helped your child with similar characteristics.

Be firm and really consistency is key. My son appears to do undesirable behaviors more when I tell him no so I am quick to remove. For example if he hits grandmas dog he goes him (assuming you live close). If my child hits or scratches or pushes or runs away I pick him up and put him in the car and we leave. He feels it and it really has helped with our situation. I also talk about it all the time and on the way to say grandmas house you discuss the right way to touch the dog and maybe have him bring the dog a special toy or treat that he can give the dog if he's nice to the dog. My son loves picking out dog toys for his cousins dog and going to the pet store was fun for him. Read simple stories such as hands are not for hitting. There is one called tails are not for pulling which could be good for the pet situation. Monitor him and be super super consistent. Good luck OP! It's so so hard being a parent!

Try a PEP parenting seminar and/or hire a PEP trained therapist to visit you and you son and work with you at home?

Anonymous wrote:That's a solid post.

SP. The medication advice is sound, but I was referring to this, which I really liked:

Anonymous wrote:My child is not SN, so I will not pretend to relate. However, my 5 year old also doesn't respond well to No so I have found more creative ways to garner the desired behavior without using the dreaded No word very often. For example: Can I have a cookie? "I know that a cookie sounds delicious and I wish we could eat them all the time, but Mommy's job is to make sure you stay healthy and continue to grow so this time we need to eat some fruit. Apple or Banana, you choose. "

Or: You have been watching TV for quite a while. We can only watch 3 hours in a week. I think you should turn it off now so you'll be able to watch your show again tomorrow.

Also, for some reason "we don't hit" is easier for a child to swallow than No, stop hitting"

Always acknowledge how your child feels, and it will go a long way. I know stopping to play and leaving the park right now is very frustrating for you, but we need to get home for dinner and I promise we will come back later this week.

That's a solid post.

This sounds similar to how my son was at this age - also ADHD. Does your son take meds? If so, change them. If not, get on them. The right medication changed my son's life (and mine).