See when my son lived with me there was never an issue except for when he'd come home from his fathers weekend visits then we would have a listening and rule issue. Some of you know that I had a preemie with undiagnosed medical conditions. My ex used my preemie's medical issues as a way to keep my son with him and not with me. So my son has been put through the ringer as in going back and forth. I swear on my life I've never spoken to my son regarding court or even bad mouthing his father when he is around or even within earshot. My ex on the other hand does talk to him about it.. Jeremy is 7.. My ex lives with his mother.. He goes out frequently and leaves Jeremy at home with his grandma to watch over him. Jeremy has no boundaries or discipline in that home. Where in my home there are rules. No jumping on furniture, no running in the house, he back talks like crazy and now if there is something he doesnt want to eat he demands something else or pouts. My son never did this. Prior to the mediator (who is a pyschiatrist) talking with the schools I sat down with both Jeremys teachers and the principle of the school.. Not once did they ever even suggest that Jeremy maybe ADD or ADHD. That was never brought up until recently. I'm not saying that my son doesn't have it. Who knows he just might. But considering the different living arrangements and house rules plays a big role in all of this. My son gets up at 4 am to watch cartoons or play video games because his father leaves for work and his nanna is sleeping. At my home, there is no tv or games you stay in bed until 7 am. Now that may sound harsh to some but it worked because my son would get a book or his cd player or color in his bed until it was time to be able to turn the tv on. He has a gamecube at my home but does not spend endless hours on the stupid thing. I think the video games has definately altered his ability to focus and participate in class and even interact with other kids. But to consider my child ADD/ADHD without even seeing him just talking to his peers at school worries me. Medicating my child and her first suggestion was Rittalin and that was with her saying she's never seen him or talked to him but he showed signs.. Anyways medicating my child scares the hell out of me. I just really wanted to know what my options are out there and get some feedback. I appreciate everyone that has responded with their own stories and issues it helps ALOT.. |