What should I tell her the "pill" is for?

[Brenda]

My dd had to stop ritalin la last week because of tics.She developed a bad vocal tic and several motor tics.They are almost gone now.Today she had a real bad day and got the worst mark on her behavior sheet.When I asked her why,she said it was my fault because I forgot to give her pill this morning.I told her the "pill" doesn't make her good.It helps her be good but she can't take it anymore because it causes her to make that weird noise.I didn't know what else to say.

I felt guilty for giving her a pill that caused so many side effects.Now I feel guilty for not giving it to her.

I'm wating on the school to evaluate her to see if it's really ADHD or LD's.She's tried Strattera and all the stimulants.I don't know what else to try.

[Amsmom]

brenda
first of all, please dont feel guilty for giving her meds prescribed by the dr. it's not like you picked out something yourself and gave it to her on your own. also try not to feel guilty for not giving it to her now. you are saving her from the embarrassment the tics cause. dont let her convince you into thinking her behavior is somehow your fault or b/c she didnt get her pill. a few yrs ago, i had read my ds9 a kid's book about adhd and he started blaming all his behavior on his adhd. our kids need to take responsibility for their behavior, while on meds or not. some things are the adhd and some are just plain behavior.

so dont beat yourself up brenda, you are doing a great job. when you get a good assessment you will be able to get the appropriate treatment for her. i know it's so hard to wait, but hang in and come here often to vent. we're here for you.

when the time comes that she is on another pill, you can tell her it's to help her feel better. that seems to satisfy my ds. another suggestion is to tell her that it's to help her focus. good luck mom

[finnmom]

Brenda

like Amsmom said; you should not feel quilty about giving or not giving med´s for her, you had the best reason´s to both start and stop that medication. Be firm about that her behaviour is her responsibility. She cant blame her bad day for not getting the pill

I tell my son that the pill/med he get´s, help´s him to concentrate in school. That´s all, all the behavioural issues are his responsibility. Good luck for getting the right assessment to her, that´s a good start

[milesofsmiles]

I have always told my son that the medicine is there to help him concentrate and organize his thoughts for school. It is all up to him to be a better person.

Miles