My two boys have ADHD. I don’t think I have mentioned this before on my blog. It is not a secret…there are a lot of things I have not mentioned yet. For example, I also have two black cats, I don’t really like to cook, Husband likes to race sailboats, and I watch the Guiding Light. I figured I would write about this now, because I thought it would help you better understand my perspective on life and also give you additional insight into our family.
Son #1 was diagnosed when he was 4 ½ years old…there was little doubt. He struggled with impulsivity and was just uncomfortable in his own skin. Since then, he has been on medication 24/7 and we have made many behavioral changes in our home. To give you an idea of how important his medication is to him, after taking his very first pill, he turned to me and said…”Mommy, I love my new quiet body.”
Son #2 (age 7) was only recently diagnosed. His symptoms are less severe and he really only needs medication to help him get through structured situations that require him to interact socially with others…school, day camp, Sunday School, and so on. In other situations, his symptoms can usually be managed through behavior modification strategies. A good explanation of the difference between the two boys…Son #1 cannot get through his morning routine without his medication. I give him his dosage 15 minutes before he actually gets up in the morning. Son #2 can get through breakfast and to school, but, if I forget to give him his medication, you can bet I will get a call from his teacher by 9 AM!
I love my boys! ADHD rocks our world! This may sound counterintuitive but Son #1 has the kindest spirit and he is so kind to others…especially other children who have special needs. He knows what it is like to be “different” and he reaches out to others. I have been moved to tears by his tenderheart. Son #2 loves life and he is a “party ready to happen.” He brings joy to everyone around him. I really think that having boys with ADHD has helped me be a better and more patient parent…I have had to do a lot of reading, actively develop behavior modification strategies and stay on my toes. It has also helped me develop a compassion for other parents that I would not have come by on my own.
Son #1 was diagnosed when he was 4 ½ years old…there was little doubt. He struggled with impulsivity and was just uncomfortable in his own skin. Since then, he has been on medication 24/7 and we have made many behavioral changes in our home. To give you an idea of how important his medication is to him, after taking his very first pill, he turned to me and said…”Mommy, I love my new quiet body.”
Son #2 (age 7) was only recently diagnosed. His symptoms are less severe and he really only needs medication to help him get through structured situations that require him to interact socially with others…school, day camp, Sunday School, and so on. In other situations, his symptoms can usually be managed through behavior modification strategies. A good explanation of the difference between the two boys…Son #1 cannot get through his morning routine without his medication. I give him his dosage 15 minutes before he actually gets up in the morning. Son #2 can get through breakfast and to school, but, if I forget to give him his medication, you can bet I will get a call from his teacher by 9 AM!
I love my boys! ADHD rocks our world! This may sound counterintuitive but Son #1 has the kindest spirit and he is so kind to others…especially other children who have special needs. He knows what it is like to be “different” and he reaches out to others. I have been moved to tears by his tenderheart. Son #2 loves life and he is a “party ready to happen.” He brings joy to everyone around him. I really think that having boys with ADHD has helped me be a better and more patient parent…I have had to do a lot of reading, actively develop behavior modification strategies and stay on my toes. It has also helped me develop a compassion for other parents that I would not have come by on my own.
1 comment:
Good job sharing this! I don't think all parents have such a willingness to be open and share about how "real" life can be.
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