Getting My Husband to Understand

Diet only does a small part. By not using medication they have a hard time concentrating and usually have behavior problems. If you don't want him to be labled a problem kid you need to help him in any way you can. There is nothing wrong with medication. You can ask for low doses. Sometimes meds are only temporary. Help your son be set up for success not failure. If you have ever taught in a class with a child suffering from this, you wouldn't hesitate.

Hi L....I am a reading specialist in DuncanvilleISD and the concern that you have is a great one. I am so happy that you understand your son's needs enough to recommend retention for him. This is an awesome task and one that many parents refuse to take. I have the tough job of sitting down with parents year after year and explaining that their child might face retention at the end of the school year. I've had parents break down crying, go to other sources because they just can't accept it, and even pull their child out of our school! What I've realized is that it's very hard to have someone tell you that basically, your child just isn't where he or she needs to be. To a parent, it means you've done something wrong and that is not always the case. Your husband needs to realize that every brain is different and has different needs. While you and your husband may have been head ot the class, straight A students, that is not necessarily who your child is. It's all a part of wanting the best for your child added with a little denial. I recommend that you speak with your school's counselor and the reading specialist if the school has one. If your son seems immature and not ready for first grade, please hold him back. He will be a much better student if you give him more time. By the way, when's his birthday? After 8 years in education, I know for a fact that most boys who have summer birthdays have a hard time adjusting in school. In most of those cases, we almost always recommend retention. Feel free to email me. I'd like to know how everything works out for you guys.

L.
I am a teacher an I understand that sometimes young boys just need a little extra time to mature. I am not sure if I understand your question do you want help making your case for medication with your son or help making the case for retention in Kindergarten. Please let me know and I think that my help and expertise will be able to assist you in making your case with your husband.
A.

L.,

Our company, Pharmanex has products that deals with your child's problem. I am sending them a request to see exactly what they would suggest. I've heard of other children with the same problem, and these pharmaceutical grade supplement products have helped them tremendously. I will get with you in the next couple of days to let you know what I find out.

M.

Hi!
My son is also ADHD, but we choose to give him medication. At some level, he was doing very good in school but would have severe tamper tantrums at the end of the day. So we lowered the medication. It still helps him focus a little more and his behavior is better, but he's not doing as good as with the higher dosage. But, his spririts are better.
Since he still has trouble focusing, he's getting behind in school. The teacher recommended summer school but we said no. We beleive summer vacation is important also and he needs the break. So, we decided to let him go to first grade (his in Kindergarted now) and hire a tutor. We will start a few weeks before it's time to return to school to try to put him up to speed and to keep him "above water" as we say...
We considered a Montessori School and a private school, but decided to let him go to the neighborhood school with his friends and provide help from outside the school. I'm confident that will be the best solution.
Good luck to you!

Hi L. personally I think summer school is a bad idea until they are older and can better understand. With that said- getting your husband to understand is always difficult are the teachers in kindergarten recc. repeat kindergarten or summer school. I would say ask to meet with the teachers and counselors and if your school has a physchologist on staff or an adhd specialist have them present as well and discuss the pros and cons of both. My husband tends to listen to other people in authority more than listenning to me. I am certain the school would welcome a family conference to discuss the best possible intervention for your son and if you get to the counselor or teacher ahead of time and let them know your opinion that might help as well. Good luck.

Another option is to hire a private tutor to work intensely with your son over the summer on whatever the teachers have listed he needs to improve in...

A.

go to www.schwablearning.org , go to the message board and ask this same question...you will be blown away with all the great responses. That message board has been great for me. As far as my opinion...we tried all the natural stuff first and more...tons of different diets, etc. Half way through Kind came to the conclusion that he was not going to learn without meds. He is now finishing 1st grade, we do not give meds on weekends and holidays, I do feel bad medicating my child....but I also now realize that I am doing him a disservice in his education to not medicate him. Good Luck.