Having a child with ADHD

This is something myself and many other families are new to. I couldn't understand why the teachers were so lazy and uninterested in educating my child. They constantly complained and offered no solution. He never complained about anything. So that possibly added to my confusion. Eventually one teacher spoke to me about the possibility that he might need medication. Which I of course, rejected. How dare she suggest I go and drug my child up. Eventually after much discussions with my partner we took him for a diagnoses. Which was absolutely horrible, as the doctor who diagnosed him, implied that I was responsible for his learning difficulties. As I didn't take care of myself properly during pregnancy. Not exactly the ideal news any parent would be happy to receive.  My son was diagnosed at the age of eight. As much as I wasn't a fan of the medication, I did the necessary research and figured I should at least give it a try. I must admit that it did work.

 The journey begun.

After all trying is better than not doing anything. We had him on the medication for two years, then we had to relocate to Kuruman. In Kuruman, I tried many natural options which definitely provided positive results.
After more or less a year we returned to Johannesburg and resumed with the medication for another two years. Due to lack of finances that seemed like the best option. I fully intend on going to back to natural options as soon as my ship comes in. Definitely prefer natural, esp as far as my children are concerned.

He is a absolutely amazing young man, who I am proud to call my son. I would love to provide him with every possible opportunity to be the best version of himself. He has amazing personality traits that I truly admire.

It surely does get to us most of the time. The lack of attention. Often this leads to him finding himself in dangerous situations. I have previously struggled to understand under why he leaves most tasks incomplete. I pretty much try to stay on him 24/7  as I feel he needs it more than his little sister (who is a handful in her own special way).I find myself being rather agitated and aggravated when I need to repeat myself and check on him to make sure he does as I ask. I do lose my temper. I am working on that daily. It's rather difficult as I am aware that being a preteen he is at the age that will try me. It's not easy to figure out which is which, ADHD or naughtiness. Hopefully one day I will figure it out. This all amplifies the whole parenting situation.

I constant need to remind myself that it isn't his fault. As I am not the most patient person. Sometimes my expectations of him are unrealistic, as all children differ. So it is best to ignore how other parent compare their children to mine. That's not my business.

Don't give up or lose faith.

ADHD can't be easy for those suffering from it. It certainly isn't easy for the family members of those individuals. The earlier you recognize the symptoms, the better you will be equipped to work through it as a family. In these instances the best we can do for them is provide a loving, calm and supportive environment. As the parent it is also important to have support from you're immediate family in times of great difficulty. As you tend to find yourself tested on a regular basis. This will allow the family to grow together as a unit.


Below is a site that provides assistance and advice
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/attention-deficit-disorder-adhd-parenting-tips.htm

No matter what you find yourself facing, don't forget you're an amazing mommy and daddy!