My brother in law told my husband that our kids are ADHD hyper (my older daughter DOES have the diagnosis) because they watch too much TV. They do watch TV because that is the ONLY time they will sit still. My brother in law and sister happen to have a four year old who loves to do worksheets, is reading at third grade level and can focus for long periods of time on projects. I had my daughters paint today and they did it for 10 mins and I had to cleap up for half an hour. What is a good retort to this? My ADHD daughter was NEVER parked in front of the TV for hours. I had no other children until she was 2.5 so I was able to read her, take her out etc. ALL the time. Anyway, just another typical obnoxious person trying to blame US for how our children are.
A good retort is "Gee, I had no idea that you were a neuropsychiatrist."
I must admit I used to think this way too until my youngest (of three) was diagnosed ADHD at age 10.
Your brother in law is not a DR or psychologist I assume? So just tell him thanks for the opinion but we rely on medicine and science, not popular opinion with regards to our kid's health condition.
My daughter was "born this way" (hello Lady Gaga!) She was on the move all the time, hated the crib, the stroller, the high chair and anything else that kept her confined. She also hated puzzles and other things that required her to focus for more than five minutes :(
I will say that too much time in front of the tv/computer for an ADHD kid is like giving too much food to a fat person. Yes they love it and it makes them quiet and happy (and I know a parent needs a break!) but it's not something you want to make a habit of.
My daughter is pretty pissed at me right now because I have made it clear that tv/computer time will be very limited this summer. She is still quite behind in her reading skills and is going into 7th grade. The thing is when she is "forced" to read she actually enjoys it. I have learned that she needs to be in the room with me, and I read too (she's more distracted alone in her room) and there needs to be some background noise, like low music.
She also needs a LOT of exercise, every day!
She's not on medication (yet?) and so far, this is what is working for us. Good luck to you, your family and your daughter!
ADHD is a medical condition. Whether or not any given person with ADHD watches TV or not is irrelevant. Watching TV does not cause ADHD. Your SIL needs to educate herself.
:)
My nephew is 4 and can read at the same level as my 9-year-old son, but does not understand what he's reading. When my son watches TV (usually science channel) he learns something and sits still long enough to eat breakfast. He can then come up with his own science projects that are much more creative than a worksheet, and focus on them.
My son is signed up for a summer art class, and I'm worried that he won't be able to focus on it. I talked to the teacher and she suggested clay or sculpture would be a good project for ADHD kids because it's more tactile. We're going to try it and see....
i understand the 'break' with tv. there have been studies that show something w/the light and the picture changes on tv and computers that can make things worse. don't know if your kids are on meds, but i'd consider trying to cuz out all juice and sugar and see if that makes a difference. if that doesn't help i'd try and have a real structured day and have them part of it so they know what to expect. good luck, i know it can be hard!
