Teacher wants my child on meds for ADHD

[Olahh]

My son has been having alot of difficulty staying focused in class and also problems with keeping still. He is 6yrs old and in the first grade. We do not have problems with him at home as his teacher continues to tell us. I do not doubt her but she seems to be getting impatient and aggrevated. I do not plan on medicating my child. I am not in denile. I have observed him at school and he has gotten off task. She says he doesnt have any problems with knowing how to do his work. She believes he has a problem with attention. I am 90% raw. I want my son to be but his father feels that I am being a extremist when it comes to nutrition. I plan on converting my son to a high raw diet. I would like to know what foods to avoid. Also raw foods that may trigger inattention symptoms. I plan on getting him seen by a doc, I just dont want to be forced into medicating him. I dont want his teacher to confuse the fact that I dont want to medicate my son as child abuse. Im getting angry.

[streetsurfer]

Suggest you read Is This Your Child?, Doris Rapp M.D., before considering a doctor for medicating. Check out her interview on youtube, merv griffin show I believe.
After you read it maybe you can get your husband to read it.
Many children suffer attention/behavior problems as a result of food additives, preservatives, sensitivities to certain foods such as gluten, highly processed foods, sugars, etc. Most of these problem foods/additives can be avoided on a raw whole foods diet.

[Myca]

It can be difficult dealing with school officials. I can tell you my personal experience. I was medicated from the age of 9 with Ritalin. I have been off and on Ritalin for 40 years. I felt much better on medication. Life was not all over the place. ADD and its kin tends to run in families. The problem I found is that ADD seems close to manic without the depression. When I was at my worst, I didn't know until I completely wore down. Then I had to attempt to pick up the pieces of my life. Three of my 6 kids have ADD

[Myca]

My thoughts would be to make an appointment with your child's doctor. Tell the doctor what the teacher said. See what the doctor thinks. Talk to the child's father if he is involved. Become informed but don't become an internet expert. Remember that the teacher is an expert in her own right, so take into consideration what she said. Also, speak directly to the child about how he or she actually feels. You might be surprised.

[Olahh]

Suggest you read Is This Your Child?, Doris Rapp M.D., before considering a doctor for medicating. Check out her interview on youtube, merv griffin show I believe.
After you read it maybe you can get your husband to read it.
Many children suffer attention/behavior problems as a result of food additives, preservatives, sensitivities to certain foods such as gluten, highly processed foods, sugars, etc. Most of these problem foods/additives can be avoided on a raw whole




I will look into this thanks.

[Olahh]

My thoughts would be to make an appointment with your child's doctor. Tell the doctor what the teacher said. See what the doctor thinks. Talk to the child's father if he is involved. Become informed but don't become an internet expert. Remember that the teacher is an expert in her own right, so take into consideration what she said. Also, speak directly to the child about how he or she actually feels. You might be surprised.

I will get my son checked out there is no need for him to suffer, it is understood that he has a attention issue. The information his teacher shared with me is taken into consideration. I know there has to be a better way to resolve this issue and its going to take time.

[siennagray]

Unless the laws are drastically different in your state (or country), your son's teacher isn't legally allowed to make any kind of diagnosis of there being something medically "wrong" with him. (Unless by "teacher" you meant school nurse or psychologist.) It is not their business whether or not he is on medication. If she/he hassles you again, you might mention that your son's medical issues are between your family and your doctor. If you don't think the teacher can handle the issues in the classroom, you might speak to the principle about switching classes to a teacher that is better equipped to manage students with attention issues. If you don't want to go there, perhaps you could just say that you understand his/her frustration, and are implementing changes in your son's life that should slowly trickle down to his classroom behavior.

Gluten, and the other items mentioned by streetsurfer will likely make a difference if eliminated from the diet. This is easily accomplished on a raw diet, but if not all raw, care should be taken that the rest of the foods don't have these items as well.

Another thing that could be considered is acupuncture. Acupuncture is appropriate for children, and has amazing energy balancing capabilities. Be sure to see a licensed acupuncturist, and you could have a consultation before a session to be sure if they feel they will be able to help.

[Olahh]

I told his teacher that we understand her frustrations and that his father and I are working very hard with him at home. We have requested for a parent teacher meeting several times. She always tells us that she is busy on all the days we are available. I also requested for a lesson plan/ overview for the month of August and she has ignored those requests. We have written her letters and she has not responded. I dont like how she is playing the victim instead of us working together. I have taken into consideration that she has 19 other students, school meetings and planning. We are not resting any problems on her shoulders. Our son is our responsibility. It makes me feel angry as a concerned parent and this teacher is strictly set in her ways. Yes she has years of experience but she has to respect her students' parents wishes and concerns.

[Olahh]

Unless the laws are drastically different in your state (or country), your son's teacher isn't legally allowed to make any kind of diagnosis of there being something medically "wrong" with him. (Unless by "teacher" you meant school nurse or psychologist.) It is not their business whether or not he is on medication. If she/he hassles you again, you might mention that your son's medical issues are between your family and your doctor. If you don't think the teacher can handle the issues in the classroom, you might speak to the principle about switching classes to a teacher that is better equipped to manage students with attention issues. If you don't want to go there, perhaps you could just say that you understand his/her frustration, and are implementing changes in your son's life that should slowly trickle down to his classroom behavior.

Gluten, and the other items mentioned by streetsurfer will likely make a difference if eliminated from the diet. This is easily accomplished on a raw diet, but if not all raw, care should be taken that the rest of the foods don't have these items as well.

Another thing that could be considered is acupuncture. Acupuncture is appropriate for children, and has amazing energy balancing capabilities. Be sure to see a licensed acupuncturist, and you could have a consultation before a session to be sure if they feel they will be able to help.

We have decided to bring this situation to the school principle. I am slowly removing the items mentioned above from his diet. I give him raw fruit for breakfast now, so far, sliced peaches w/ skin or watermelon with a small glass of water. We have a steamer, so I will steam some of his veggies and slowly introduce raw veggies. Acupuncture sounds interesting, will look into.

Thank you for your input it really helps as you can tell that I am frustrated.

Oh, when she mentioned that our son may need medication. She said it in a mannar as far as using another child for example and wanted me to read in between the lines.

[How?]

When I think back to my school days and even now I have difficulty concentrating sometimes but never to the point that i would ever need or take medication.In school I used to daydream a lot but I got ok grades but the real reason was I was bored senseless.Kids arefarmed out when they are put in schools especially kids that have high sensitivity levels.They need direct teaching of life and practical matters where they are nurtured and encouraged like would have happened several hundred years ago when sons learned from their fathers(who were home employed because industrialization hadn't taken over yet) and daughters learnt from their mothers.Nowadays kids are sent at 5 years old into that kind of environment and told to learn boring stuff and it is boring stuff.I know looking back that I would fit into the category of what are described as Indigo children.I'm not saying your child is an indigo but it could be possible...

Many, but not all Indigos are labeled by the medical world as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or more commonly known as ADD/ADHD because they can't be still, they can't focus, they bore easily, they are impulsive and they do things super fast. Giving them medication is not the answer!

http://www.newagejournal.com/indigo-...l-children.htm

Any "teacher" that suggests an innocent 6 year old child should go on medication because he wants to be a child is far from a teacher and somebody to be very wary of because her heart is clearly closed.

http://pediatrics.about.com/od/weekl...eschl_adhd.htm


I take the supplement Pycnogenol and am not sure it helps or not.If I'm slightly adhd it doesn't really bother me.Something just needs to be interesting to engage me.I wouldn't really like the idea of giving a supplement to a young child either but just thought I'd mention it as there are some interesting studies ...http://www.pycnogenol.com/media/medi...=detail&id=498

What would interest me greatly if I had a child with suspected adhd would be flower essences.
http://www.healing-arts.org/children...bachflower.htm
I have been so awed with flower essences over the last few years.Every home should have them because we all need them at times and a huge amount of issues can be addressed in a very gentle yet effective way.One that stood out when quickly scanning that list was

Clematis :
Day-dreaming, lack of interest in present - not grounded in physical reality

but I am certainly not a professional and I think you should talk to an expert in that field because they can tailor essences to suit your exact needs.I really think you should consider this option and be careful of that teacher.Try looking to herbal remedies as well.Exhaust all natural possibilities.

[Olahh]

Thank u for your input. Checking the links.

I stayed with him in school all day today. He seems to get more anxious after lunch. He does get bored really easy and he tells me he is bored or tired of whatever it is he doesnt like.

[Arky]

Does your child suffer from allergies or food/chemical sensitivities?

Are you ensuring adequate Omega 3 intake?

Is your child's physical health good, generally, or are there some issues with this? (for example, any gastrointestinal upsets?)

Is your child's psychological health good, generally, or are there other issues with this, aside from the attention issue?

Have you considered that a low fat raw vegan diet may be your choice but that your child might have some right to decide what he eats? (provided it's wholefoods, not junk). I'm not criticising or patronising here, I'm just pointing out that raw veganism is a relatively narrow dietary philosophy which an adult can comprehend but which a child may struggle to comprehend. There are potential pitfalls if one is not very widely-read on the subject (Shazzie discusses some of these on her website: http://www.welikeitraw.com/rawfood/2...e-on-rais.html and partly in Revvell's interview: http://rawkinradio.com/2008/07/15/re...views-shazzie/). The developing brain, for example, has quite specific nutrient requirements.

These are just a few of many possible avenues one might explore before resorting to medication and I respect your desire to avoid medication if at all possible; your son is fortunate that you care about this.

[maggiesdaddy]

I read the original post and none of the responses so I hope I don't repeat a bunch of stuff.

I worked in a special education classroom for the past three years as a one on one for children with special needs. I am also a senior psychology student (just so you know my background). I have to say that teachers want to make their lives easier and once they get an idea in their heads, it rarely leaves until they get there way.

If you truly don't see attention issues with him at home then I doubt it is anything that he needs to be medicated for. What are his favorite activities at home?


Lastly, when you are in his classroom observing him, I would like to know what the teacher is doing. How do they teach? How old is your son and how long does he have to sit in a desk at a time? Maybe he needs to get up and move for 5 minutes every hour or so or perhaps the issue is that your son is bored with their teaching style. Perhaps he knows the material to well and needs something more advanced to hold his attention.

I would also say that if you are going to take him to a doctor, I would take him to one that has a GOOD background in ADHD (you should be able to get their credentials by calling them). Often (in my area) the doctors are quick to medicate. I would suggest taking your son to a psychologist for an evaluation. He won't get labeled for having to go (as many people are scared of), but psychologists are often more extensively schooled then MDs about things like this. I would also perhaps consult a naturopath for natural remedies.

[maggiesdaddy]

I told his teacher that we understand her frustrations and that his father and I are working very hard with him at home. We have requested for a parent teacher meeting several times. She always tells us that she is busy on all the days we are available. I also requested for a lesson plan/ overview for the month of August and she has ignored those requests. We have written her letters and she has not responded. I dont like how she is playing the victim instead of us working together. I have taken into consideration that she has 19 other students, school meetings and planning. We are not resting any problems on her shoulders. Our son is our responsibility. It makes me feel angry as a concerned parent and this teacher is strictly set in her ways. Yes she has years of experience but she has to respect her students' parents wishes and concerns.

She sounds like some of the teachers that I have worked with. I sickens me when teachers behave that way. I would most certainly bring this up to the principle. Teachers are supposed to MAKE TIME for parents. If she isn't then she isn't doing her job. In my district, teachers are contracted till 4:00 or so and are expected to meet with parents if needed during the time between students leaving and the end of their days.

[Raw Angel Mom]

Change your son school if you have too. They want your child medicate to have their day goes by easy. Medication do nothing to help your sweet angel, nothing. STAND YOUR GROUND. Your believes has to be stronger then hers. If you believe in the power of prayer do so, send her love, don't judge her but pray for this situation to be resolve with love and it will be.

I had to put up with the school system regarding the raw diet of my daughter and for her not to receive any vaccination. Now, they support me and ask for advice.

To help your child, don't give any sugar breakfast except for fresh fruit. No cereal or food colouring or any chemical. He is a very sensitive child. Look into diet.

Seriously, diet is everything. Are you following with a psychologist or a counsellor that truly loves children. You can ask them, if they would be willing to sit in the class for observation and assist the teacher. I had problem with my daughter and it was a great help to do this (She would come for one hour observation and maybe once every three months). Not only the person helped the teacher but it has helped other children.

Don't allow this labelling with ADHD with your child no more and knows he is perfect normal. Teacher are the ones that need to upgrade their way of teaching with children, not the child to come to their level.

Fruits will rebuilt the neurology system. They are that powerful. Watch dr. Robert Morse on youtube (morsend). If you give cow milk, ditch that and quick.

You will find a way. Remember, your believes has to be stronger and more powerful then them. Research, education is critical to deal with the system.

Love to you sweet mommy, you are a wonderful mom and you will be there for your angels.