Just me

[Kerrierickson]

My son just turned 13 he has ADHD. He was diagnosed when he was in 1st grade. This year has been my worst year yet! Middle School! He has been refusing his medicine, refusing to do his school work and now he has been refusing to go to school! This is a nightmare for me! I’m a single mom! I’m losing hope!

[Aniusia]

Hello,

My son is 14, got diagnosed 2 years ago, but I always knew he has it . Anyway, this past year was a nightmare, the worst ever. I cried my eyes out, we had s police in the house twice, he got so disrespectful to me that I didn’t believed my ears. Things got better in April with the new med but it definitely was emotionally hardest year ever. I think it is because of hormonal changes, need to be independent, plus peer pressure. Good luck to you. Things usually get better... we just need to be strong enough to survive the storm.

[Barkeli01]

Please don’t lose hope! My son is 13 and I swear he symptoms increased more which I contribute to puberty. He was diagnosed in kindergarten. He can sit in class and do absolutely nothing the entire period! It’s so frustrating because the kids at his school don’t help much. They’re so judgmental and just look at him as the annoying disruptive kid. I highly recommend counseling. Give him someone to talk to/vent too and let them come up with coping strategies for him.

[KMLMPLS]

Ugh, so sorry. As the parent you are in control. Of course you can't force him to do anything but what about rewards for him taking meds and doing his home work? More screen time? Rewards are a good way to start so it doesn't feel like a punishment to him. At the same time, if that doesn't work...he shouldn't have access to things like a screen or video games if he doesn't take meds and go to school. You can control those things.

For home work, I've read and listened to a lot of research for how to help ADHD kids get through it. Meds help a lot but short increments, classical music, movement, etc. Lots of study strategies out there. Home work is torture for ADHD kids, especially without meds. Acknowledge that to him and let him know you are trying to find ways to make it easier for him.

I agree with counseling and therapy as well. Hormonal changes are bigger than you could ever know.

I supposed it's hard to have him take meds of any sort but if he doesn't take supplements...adding those might help with his emotional regulation. A good source of Omega 3 fatty acid, not just any Omega 3...has to be from a reputable company that manufactures it in a specific way for it's brain healthy. We use OmegaBrite (no affiliation or sponsorship here). Folate - body ready, not folic acid. And Magnesium Glycinate. All of these supplements REALLY help my son. Of course this doesn't work unless he's willing to take them so this would be once he's open to helping himself.

There IS hope!! He's struggling and knowing you are there will make all the difference.

[Lavender2relax]

Same here! This is the worst year for me! I’m a single mom as well and I’m disgusted with his rebellious new self. I worry this will get worse unless I see a therapist.

[Onthemove1971]

Kerrierickson-

So sorry you are dealing with this. Yes middle school is the worst.

I really think a good counselor would be able to see why he is acting this way and help him. I would not recommend giving him anything else. I think you need to know why he is doing this and give him the support he needs. I know things will.get better and high school is really where everything counts..

Big hug.

[Pennywink]

Big hugs & prayer for all you mom's struggling with teens! (I'll be there soon enough, myself.)