Back On The Focalin

I got a phone call from Maddy's teacher the other day saying that she wasn't turning in her homework.  I found that very confusing, because we do homework every night.

So instead of calling, I decided to shoot him an email.  Of course what was the reply?  I'll call you.  Heart starts beating, palms sweaty.

So I emailed him back and gave him my work number, he gave a call, and had more to say than just the homework situation.

Apparently, she isn't turning in assignments that she begins at school and is supposed to be finishing at home.  She isn't paying attention in class, she is forgetful.  She is not focusing, she is out in la-la land.  I told him that other teacher's have said this about her, and that we did have her on the Focalin for ADD for a while, then stopped, because she just wouldn't take it.  He said, "I'm not a doctor, but she should be on that medicine."

Here we go again.  Last time we did this we tried to give it to her so many ways, cause of course it's in pill form, and the girl can't swallow a pill.  So we tried applesauce, in some cereal, and even in a spoonful of sugar.  She would spill the sugar and say whoops.  It just wasn't working out...at the time.

So we had a long talk with her last night, and told her that 4th grade means growing up and a new responsibility.  And that she has to take the medicine again.  Of course she freaked, thinking of all of the horrible ways I tried to get it into her last time.  But I explained to her that she needs it, and I will put it on her waffles in the morning.  With all of that syrup, she will never taste it. 

So this morning, on the waffles it went.  She told me that she could still see it, but it was okay.  Hopefully this will work out this time, and this medicine will really help her to excel in school.  It is a new school for her and a new way of doing things, but for this to be told to us by the last three teachers she had, it must be true.  No sweeping it under the rug.  It is what it is, and thankfully they have medicine that can help her.

Comments

[hubz]

it is a time for growing up.this also means at home too.i m going to try to enforce that too

[Jen]

How old is Maddy? My son (who will be 12 next week) has had multiple diagnoses since first grade - calling him ODD, PDD, ADD, ADHD, Aspergers... you name it there was a professional out there who said he had it. He was spacey, forgetful, hyperfocused, on and on. We tried counseling, meds, social skills classes, behavior plans, more meds... and nothing seemed to help.

Then we tried neurofeedback. And everything changed for the better.

I can't explain how it works. It's still considered "experimental" and my son looks like Frankenstein everytime he gets hooked up. A lot of people (including family members and pill-peddlers) laughed at me and told me I was a fool to waste my money. But something about it is clicking and it works very well for him. And he *loves* to go (he hated meds).

My "proof" was that he started a new school this year and though the teachers have a few "suggestions for improvement" they say behavior wise he is a "typical 6th grader". I have never heard that feedback from a teacher... EVER. That was a very good day!!!

I know the same things don't work for everyone... but just my suggestion! Feel free to email privately if I can answer any questions about it.

[Emily G.]

I'm glad she's getting meds that'll help her. That's a really good thing. And she's maturing enough to take them without serious protest! That's a sign that you're being a good parent in the way you relate to her - she understood what you meant rather than just feeling forced. That's very, very cool. I wish my parents could have been better about that.

[Me]

When I was younger and first trying to learn how to swallow pills I used to practice with baby asprin and milk. Worth a shot. As I recall they taste kinda yummy and are small enough to get over being freaked out by them. Plus, b/c I was older (and bigger) they didn't relaly bother me to take them. Not saying take 5 a day. but maybe 1 a week to just get over that hump?

[betamom]

Even under the best of circumstances, 3rd and 4th grade are such transitional and chaotic times for kids.

I hope it goes well for all of you!

[mrsfortune]

Hey Rhonda ... remember me? I used to be your blog bff ... the first comment I ever left you was about an issue with your kids and their teacher ... and now here's another.

A teacher has NO RIGHT to talk to you about medication. He is ONLY saying that because it would make his life easier if your daughter was on that medication. I say this because in all honesty, I have wished that some of my students would be put on medication because they are very difficult to deal with in class. But that doesn't make it right. As a teacher, it is my JOB to deal with ALL TYPES of students that come through my door.

Trust your mommy instincts. That's all I have to say. The teachers do not ALWAYS have the best interest of your little one in mind. seriously.

[Tuesday]

Well, do you want her to be on a stimulant for the rest of her life? I would first try and change her diet. Rid of Syrup, soda, preservatives, food coloring, juice, sugar, anything packaged. Give her essential fatty acids in her milk. It will be very hard, but I BET you see a different daughter in 7-10 days.

[Kate]

In response to Rhonda's post, I have to say that listening to your child's teacher is an important thing to do. Granted, he or she is not the holy grail of information on your daughter, but as teachers we spend 6 hours a day with your child. Working with them, observing them work indep and with their peers. In fact, I just spoke with parent about her son's medication and inquired about whether or not he is taking it on the weekends (not) b/c there is such a dramatic difference in ability to attend to whole group lessons and class assignments that I thought it important to discuss the observations I've made and questions I had based on those observations. Teachers spend many, many hours with all different kinds of children. They can be a wealth of knowledge about your own child.