My daughter is 9 yrs. old in the 4th grade and is way OUT of CONTROL. She is currently failing all her classes except for 1 (Math). She has ADHD and I am beginning to think she also suffers from ADDD. After working with a huge Brokers Firm for 6 years, I have recently lost my job. I am losing it and I am fed up and just don't know what to do. How can I help myself not going more crazy than what I am now and also help my daughter that I sometimes think she is doing this for attention. If it matter please be advised she is the only child. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi ImJulissandur, I am so sorry for what you are going through with your daughter and with your job loss. Are there any special programs in school or tutors that can help your daughter with her studies? As well, how are you doing and feeling about your own situation? Are you in the market for new employment or taking a bit of time off? I know that life seems incredibly frustrating at the moment, because there is a lot going on at one time, but I know that you can make it through this. The key is to have an outlet for yourself where you can really have your own personal fulfillment. Please know that I am here for you and here to help you in any way that I can.
Hi ImJ.... My grandson is 9 and was doing the same thing - we changed schools and got an understanding teacher - now he's "A" honor roll. But has "social behavior" problems. Have you had your daughter diagnosed? Big step... and meds DO help (hey, we fought this for years and now wish we'd gone this route a long time ago, BUT they are NOT the total answer). The meds have helped him "focus" and grades have improved (we found out he's exceptionally smart when he can focus - thus the meds have helped with that) but "goes off" and has violent tendancies when criticised.
But you are NOT alone... remember that. I'm pulling my hair out daily and wondering how to get thru another day with this problem child. His parents (they all live with me) tend to bury their heads in the sand and think the problem will go away - it won't and you have to deal with it. Patience is the key and lots of LOVE.
Routine works up to a point. Ground rules help (and they will try your patience).
What works really well on my grandson is lots of postive reinforcement when he does something good... Praise when it's warranted. And lots of hugs.
And KNOW you're not alone. There are a lot of us going thru this with a young child. But talk to the doctor and the teachers and let them know how you feel as well as what problems are coming up at home.
Hugs GrannyB
GrannyB, thank you so much for your insight and experience with ADHD. It's so helpful to have someone share their direct experience.
Also ADHD is a disability and your daughter might qualify for Social Security... You might want to go to the website and look into this. We're looking into it at this time. It's not easy to get,but it might be worth the hassel...
GrannyB, that's a very good and helpful point. I found a couple of informational sites regarding Social Security for children with ADHD;
http://www.healthyplace.com/adhd/adhd-news/getting-social-security-for-a...
http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/adhd-attention-deficit-social-security-...