Newbie

[Dad2Brooke]

I just found this site yesterday and am amazed at the info it holds. ;D

My daughter, Brooke, is 7 and was diagnosed with ADHD by her pediatrician at age 3, by a child pyschologist at age 4, and a child pyschiatrist at age 5. I guess I maybe overdid it, but I wanted to make sure I knew that she really had it before we started medicating her. I had (and still do) major problems with medicating her at such a young age. But if it has to be done to help her, then so be it.

She has been on all of the major meds with the exception of Strattera. Currently she is on Concerta, Guanficine and Ritalin (afternoons) It appears that this is working OK, although her teacher called me yesterday at work to let me know that she seems to be unable to focus as well as other kids. (No kidding ) So I have another appointment with the pediatrician to discuss her meds, next week.

Most of the meds she has been on either did not work at all or seemed to work for a while. Sometimes it may have been wishful thinking in my part that there was any improvement at all.

Her doctors for the most part have been helpful, but I recently quit taking her to her psychiatrist. All he wanted to do was ask her how she was doing, all the while writing out a prescription. Rhetorical question here, how much information are you going to get if you ask a (then) 6 year old how they are? When my wife and I would give our input, he listened but he never tried any techniques with her or us for dealing with it. Maybe I was expecting to much. I don't know. But as all can understand, when it comes to your child's well being, you will try just about anything.

Which brings me to another point. What I hope to get from this forum. I want help. I want acceptance. I want to hopefully provide the same to others in our boat.

I am so tired of my daughter and my family being looked at with disdain by people who haven't got a clue about ADHD. I am not a bad parent, nor is my wife. My daughter is a warm friendly child. She is loyal to her friends, even when they are not. She loves flutterbys and ladybugs. She likes to play with Barbies and babydolls. She likes to do arts and crafts and build things with her Ello. SHE IS NOT A MONSTER.

We live in a cul-de-sac and my daughter has at times been overbearing and hyper as one with ADHD can be. There have been run ins with other kids. I haven't ignored it. I have talked to all the parents about Brooke and ADHD. All of them say that they understand. Yet, whan all the kids are playing, and Brooke runs out of the house to play, it's like "High Noon" and everyone disappears. Makes me mad as he11. I want to yell and scream at the parents, at the kids. How would they like that if it happened to their kids?


I love my daughter and will do whatever it takes to try to make her "normal" and give her a "normal" childhood. Do I think she is normal? Yes I do. Does the rest of the world see her as normal? No.

Thanks for letting me vent. I feel like I have finally found a home.

[jdmom]

Welcome, and you've come to the right place! It is hard being the parent of an ADD/ADHD child, but one thing's for sure here, we all know what you're going through. Chin up, and remember, no your child is not "normal", she's even more special than most!

[Jorgy]

;D Welcome Dad! I am the mother of 4. My 7yr old son was diagnosed and has been on meds since age 5. I am fortunate in the fact that I have a big mouth and am not afaid to use it in a good way! I know all the parents in our community and school and they all accept Jake without problems. But I know how it is when someone looks at you like you and your child are monsters when they see some of the behavior. I just feel that they can have him for a day and some of the heart break that goes with. At the end of the day they would probably pay me to take him back! And you know what? I would!!! He is the sweetest and smartest little boy and he is all mine and I wouldn't have him any other way. OK, maybe some mornings before meds I would! This is a great place as we have all eithor been there or are there. Everyone is very knowledgable because we as the parents are the experts! I am very greatful that Veronica gave us this place to come with the other site closing. God Bless, Sue

[MommaToFive]

Hi there Dad and Welcome!!!! ;D

This is the right place to be!! I am new also but have found do much info, support and acceptance here it is mind blowing!! It is so nice to know we are not alone and that we are not judged and jeered at because we have special little angels!! Well ok, maybe not angels.... LOL And that our little ones are understood in all their glory here!! This is truly a very unique and special treasure!!

To give you a little background.. I am the mom of a 9yo boy who has ADHD/ODD(Oppositional Defiant Disorder)/ and Depression. He was diagnosed at 5, but I suspected around 3.. We also have tried all the meds except Strattera. We are currently taking Concerta and Zoloft. Will more than likely be changing soon. As they are not working!! I am also looking into Natural Remedies. I am so tired of having to change meds every 6 months. I know that probably sounds bad... But my thought is that if it isn't working why keep him " Doped" so to speak. I am also going to begin homeschooling soon. He is struggling at school and I feel I can do a better job for him at home. Long story here....

Anyway, I just wanted you to know you will find all that i you are looking for here. And I think more!!!

Keep your head up and hang in there!!! It all works out in the end!!!

[catseye]

Welcome aboard!!! I think it is wonderfull to have some dad's perspectives on things here, and I am happy to see more men!! Good luck with the med eval, and keep us posted...

cat

[loveforeric]

Hi Dad;
I understand where you and your family is coming from. I have 3 of my 4 with severe ADHD/OCD/ODD/Anxiety, ADD, and mild ADHD so the neighboor kids are not so kind. If mine come out the door, they are in before the boys get to the drive way. Have to wonder how unapproachable people are to allow their children to teach their children it is ok to treat others that way. I am so sorry your daughter is being treated so harshly.
Our children are wonderful and kind hearted children and I do not use the word normal any more because, well, what is normal these days? I am not sure any one person could be labelled that. It isn't normal for neighbors to allow their children to be so harsh. Sorry for venting back, I just don't like it when this happens to any child.
I hope you and your family have a peaceful day, adn remember always what remarkable parents you both are because you love an extroardinary child.
Christina

[Dad2Brooke]

Christina, thanks for your kind words. I have to agree with you. Mostly it is not the children's fault, it is the parent's. (If you could call them that. The ability to have a child does not make you a parent; love, patience, understanding, nurturing, and guidance make you a parent.) They need to teach their children better.

I read somewhere recently, that you have to take a test to get a license to drive a car, graduate from high school or college, or almost any of life's major events.

Where's the test for becoming a parent? (I guess that comes afterword, and failing it has dire consequences on your child.)

[loveforeric]

Dad2Brooke;

I definately agree about the test. Al though there may not be so many parents in my neighborhood who could pass it.LOL

They are why I am here. My true friends are here. I hope things are going well for Brooke right now. Have been reading your other thread and have had similar confrontations at the bus stop.

Sometimes we have to come out like that just to think straight. I think it is great you were able to toalk to the people at the stop.

Have a peaceful day,
Christina