My son had a bad day at school last week, he was in music class (mind you he is in 2nd grade) and the music teacher asked him "to keep his hands to himself." How many times as a parent have we said that phrase? Anyway, my son got extremely aggressive for no reason and started yelling at the music teacher. His sudden outburst scared the teacher and she sent him to the principle's office.
Well, they called me and I had to rush to school to get him. He was expelled, but the principle thought he needed to "calm" down. I was shocked, embarrassed and didn't even know what to say. Well, after I got in the car with my son, he explained that he was just "mad" at the teacher for yelling at him. It took all my strength not to yell and scream at him either. However, to get him to calm down I had to calm down myself and help him understand that he cannot act like that in school. He explained that he was just mad....but he doesn't act like that ever. So the sudden surprise of it was just plain shocking to me!
Anyway, after he understood that his behavior was wrong and that he shouldn't do it at school he said he was sorry. I think he understood. But have other parents encountered these sudden outbursts and been totally taken by surprise by it?
He is such a good boy and I was totally surprised!! Please share your experiences....
Helping parents and adults living with ADHD, ODD, OCD and other disorders
Monday, April 4, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Personal Update
Recently, after reading an email from a member regarding her son's behavior, I thought to myself that I was quite fortunate to see changes in my own son's behavior, to the point where things were becoming smoother at home and at school.
I would like to recant that statement!
It would appear that my son's behavior has not changed sufficiently to warrant that all elusive pat on the back! I received a phone call from my son's principal this morning in which he told me that my son would be staying home from school for two days for swearing at his teacher.
I have no idea what prompted his outburst, but I do know that he obviously has a long way to go before I can rest on my laurels.
All the frustration and depression that I had managed to overcome came flooding back in an instant and I feel like I did when I first started on this journey.
So many parents ask me how I manage to cope with the behaviors, acting out, disrespect and sometimes down right rudeness that seems to cling to these children like lint on a wool sweater, and the only advice I can give is to be consistent, set up counseling for your child, get some support and be kind to yourself.
Well, we have counseling in place, and I have support, but at times like this, nothing seems to help rid me of the feelings of isolation, guilt, and frustration.
I have to say that these feelings will abate after a day or so, but in that time frame there isn't much that I can do to feel better, with the exception of crawling back into bed and sleeping away the next few days!
However, that isn't going to happen, even though that is exactly what I feel like doing! Writing, and sharing my stories with other parents facing the same challenges does help. Also, knowing that my son is getting older and will be better able to control his outbursts quiets some of the anxiety. I just wish it didn't take so long for the epiphanies to manifest.
I was told just the other day that my son is taking a "hard road" and seems to learn his life lessons the hard way, and I'm sure that other parents with children like mine have been told the same thing.
Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be any type of solution for that problem...at least not one that I have been made aware. So for the time being, it's back to the drawing board. I think there are several household chores that have my son's name on them. It might not hurt to show him what happens when you don't have a good education...
I would like to recant that statement!
It would appear that my son's behavior has not changed sufficiently to warrant that all elusive pat on the back! I received a phone call from my son's principal this morning in which he told me that my son would be staying home from school for two days for swearing at his teacher.
I have no idea what prompted his outburst, but I do know that he obviously has a long way to go before I can rest on my laurels.
All the frustration and depression that I had managed to overcome came flooding back in an instant and I feel like I did when I first started on this journey.
So many parents ask me how I manage to cope with the behaviors, acting out, disrespect and sometimes down right rudeness that seems to cling to these children like lint on a wool sweater, and the only advice I can give is to be consistent, set up counseling for your child, get some support and be kind to yourself.
Well, we have counseling in place, and I have support, but at times like this, nothing seems to help rid me of the feelings of isolation, guilt, and frustration.
I have to say that these feelings will abate after a day or so, but in that time frame there isn't much that I can do to feel better, with the exception of crawling back into bed and sleeping away the next few days!
However, that isn't going to happen, even though that is exactly what I feel like doing! Writing, and sharing my stories with other parents facing the same challenges does help. Also, knowing that my son is getting older and will be better able to control his outbursts quiets some of the anxiety. I just wish it didn't take so long for the epiphanies to manifest.
I was told just the other day that my son is taking a "hard road" and seems to learn his life lessons the hard way, and I'm sure that other parents with children like mine have been told the same thing.
Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be any type of solution for that problem...at least not one that I have been made aware. So for the time being, it's back to the drawing board. I think there are several household chores that have my son's name on them. It might not hurt to show him what happens when you don't have a good education...
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Community News
Today marks the beginning of an online community for parents raising children with ADHD, ADD, ODD, OCD, and ADHD/ODD. There is a need for this community, and for more awareness about these disabilities and their affect on parents and children.
Society views children with these disorders as "hard to handle", "difficult", "unruly", "undisciplined", or worse yet, as "bad seeds". Parents of these enigmatic children are often ostracized, criticized, shunned, and simply labeled as poor or bad parents.
One the plus side, there has been more television exposure regarding ADHD and ADD, as celebrities come forward with personal stories regarding these disabilities. This is a huge step forward for us "regular folk", and gives us a glimpse of what might be, however, not all of our children will become celebrities, and enjoy their success.
Even with the rise of exposure, parents raising these children continue to struggle. Resources are fragmented and difficult to find, leaving us feeling isolated and confused. Support groups are often outside our areas, or non-existent, which furthers the feelings of isolation.
An online community can reach anyone - world-wide - all that is needed is an internet connection. Parents can now connect with each other; share their stories, resources and receive much needed support. If you are a parent struggling to raise one (or more,) of these charismatic and often times exasperating children, or you know of someone who is, please join or pass this on.
Society views children with these disorders as "hard to handle", "difficult", "unruly", "undisciplined", or worse yet, as "bad seeds". Parents of these enigmatic children are often ostracized, criticized, shunned, and simply labeled as poor or bad parents.
One the plus side, there has been more television exposure regarding ADHD and ADD, as celebrities come forward with personal stories regarding these disabilities. This is a huge step forward for us "regular folk", and gives us a glimpse of what might be, however, not all of our children will become celebrities, and enjoy their success.
Even with the rise of exposure, parents raising these children continue to struggle. Resources are fragmented and difficult to find, leaving us feeling isolated and confused. Support groups are often outside our areas, or non-existent, which furthers the feelings of isolation.
An online community can reach anyone - world-wide - all that is needed is an internet connection. Parents can now connect with each other; share their stories, resources and receive much needed support. If you are a parent struggling to raise one (or more,) of these charismatic and often times exasperating children, or you know of someone who is, please join or pass this on.
Monday, March 14, 2011
New ADHD Book Release
The story is a candidly personal account of raising an ADHD child and chronicles the many challenges, trials and triumphs involved. Reading the book is akin to following in the author's footsteps as she leads you into her life with her son. Chances are, if you are reading this, you or someone you know, might see familiar experiences mirrored within the pages.
Part-time Genius full-time Job also offers support, resources and information for parents looking for validation and solutions. This publication hopes to raise awareness of ADHD by bringing humor, hard truths and social issues together in an insightful manner.
This book is a must read for everyone, not only parents and children experiencing similar challenges. Families facing these difficulties need the support and understanding of professionals, communities and other family members, and "part-time Genius full-time Job" provides the right platform with the right formula at the right time.
An interview with the author, and reader reviews will be forthcoming soon, and I will post them here when they are published.
*You can read an excerpt of the book at Enelle's Book Case - I welcome your comments.
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