Hi K.,
My son is almost 10 and has been on ritalin since he was 7. I was the same way, not wanting to medicate him, but eventually gave in. My Son, improved by LEAPS and BOUNDS! Tell your family and friends they themselves probably need to be medicated. People with ADD are a HUGE part of the population! They need to become informed on the subject of ADD/ADHD. In fact, educate them yourself, talk their ears off! Or better yet, refer them to my FAVORITE website, helpguide.org It is the most accurately detailed description of ADD in children and adults. I should know. Because of my Son, I was diagnosed as an adult a little over a year ago. It has CHANGED my life! In an AMAZINGLY FANTASTIC way! If I had known, or even been able to articulate what exactly I was having a problem with when I was very young, I would have! It would have made my life SO much easier! My Son made it clear one day, soon after we'd he'd started his medication. He went out with his Grandparents, and several situations made him very frustrated. He eventually had a meltdown, crying and screaming that it was all our faults. That we hadn't given him his medication, and he needed it, because it made everything easier. Let me tell you, that hit me like a ton of bricks. After that, I didn't feel guilty giving it to him, I felt good! And now I know exactly how he feels. I would NEVER want to give up my medication. Read about ADD on helpguide. Both child and adult. You'll see why. Everyone's brains are wired differently. And people with ADD are almost always of average intelligence, but a lot of times, GIFTED. You just don't get to see it, since the inability to pay attention, finish tasks, and stay motivated, get in the way of learning. Also, a lot of times, it's not just ADD. My son is also dyslexic. More often then not, are two and three issues.
Also, you don't outgrow ADD, that is a MYTH. In fact, it actually makes your life harder as you have more responsibilities, and more stress in your life. If your son and Daughter both have ADD, the chances that you or their Father have ADD is overwhelming. Just taking a shot in the dark, I'd say, you should find out, for ALL of your sakes. I am a Much better Mother, because I take medication, and have educated myself. Medication is a wonderful thing! We need to change minds and get rid of all of the myths surrounding ADD. The masses are so uninformed, I'm embarrassed for them! Keep in mind, that anyone who thinks you're a bad Mother for medicating your children for ADD is completely ignorant. ADD is a serious issue, that can wreck your life slowly, but surely. You're a GOOD Mother for doing what's best for your children. If they needed eyeglasses, and you got them, would they tell you the same thing? If someone who is opposed to medication could see and feel the difference between medicated and not medicated, they would sing the praises of stimulant medication themselves!
Anyway, I hope something I've said makes things easier in your life. If I can help with anything else, please feel free to contact me anytime, and good luck!
Christy
____@____.com
PS Also, I would have your Son tested for learning disabilities. It is more common to have ADD AND a learning disability, than not. My son is dyslexic, and has ADD, and is a BRILLIANT, TALENTED, HAPPY, boy.