Seeking Advice for My 71/2 Y/o That Has a Terrible Outlook on Everything

I am so sorry to hear that! I just wanted you to know that you are not alone. Mine is now 14 years old and things have gotten worse rather than better. I did try to keep him from his dad for a while for the same reason you are thinking of, but trust me it doesn't help. It makes it worse. Also, don't take her off the meds. I tried that too and things got so much worse. Just hang in there and encourage her as much as you possibly can to counteract what she's getting from her dad. Show her the good things in life. Make sure that you report everything to the doc so they can make sure she's on the right dosage and meds. Don't think something is too small or insignificant to mention- it's not! Please do not let yourself get into the position that I am in with my son. Help her now before it's too late.

I saw where one of your resposnses said arts and crafts and a few other things in their and I think that is a wonderful idea. I also would remind her EVERYDAY, which I'm pretty sure you already do, is tell her how wonderful and beauitful she is and that you love her very much. Just hearing my parents tell me that when I was a kid did me wonders. Even being 27 years old I still love to hear that from my parents. Also try letting her come up with things that she might want to do. Good Luck and stay strong.

My mother, Nattie, of Nattie's Creative Arts Therapy in Gretna, LA, is a certified special education teacher with Jeffereson Parish schools. She specializes in children with mild to moderate emotional, behavorial, and academic deficents.

At Nattie's C. A. T., we use crafts, drawing, music, among other things, as an outlet for children (and adults), especially post-Katrina. Check out our listing on mamasource.com under:

-Arts and Crafts
-Tutoring
-Birthday Parties
-Summer Camp

Please let us know if we can help!

C.

Just wonderin if you have looked into other things that mayb wrong such as bipolar. I grew up on ADD/ADHD meds ( 3rd grade-12th grade) and always seemed depressed as a side effect. We later found out that I was bipolar and that it actually did run in the family. Please dont think that I'm tellin u ur child is bipolar. I dont believe in self diagnosises. Once they got my anti depressents straight tho the rest just kinda fell in place. I think u should talk to ur childs doctor and look into family medical records and see if somethin might b there to help.

It sounds like she is depressed like her dad. Have you tried counseling? Also discuss it with the psychiatarist who prescribes her ADHD meds. Maybe the meds are making her depressed. Also the counselor probably will discuss the divorce which is hard on kids and parents. I had a good book called, "When dinosaurs divorce". Surely you have talked to her and reassured her the divorce was not her fault. My 11 year old daughter has been depressed since the hurricane. She is in therapy. Her depression is painful for me. Here is a hug for you and her. We can't give up on our children!

Have you spoken to her father aboout it? Perhaps if he realizes she is picking up his grousing, he will be more careful how he speaks and acts around her.

Also, is it possible that mood changes are a side effect of her ADHD meds? Talk to her pediatrician about it, and if the meds can cause depressive mood shifts, perhaps its time to change meds.