Cutting meat...

[Onthemove1971]

I wanted to give hope to all of those of us that struggle to raise a child with ADHD. Our son is now 13 years old and when he was younger ( 6,7, 8) I was so worried because he was not doing many things that I thought a child should. When my only examples are other kids eithout ADHD, I felt hopeless. He still needed help with dressing, brushing teeth, preparing anything to eat (yes, I understand all kids develop differently).

Tonight at dinner... He cut his own protein at the table. Inside I wanted to jump out of my skin.. He is doing it, just at a different pace. He now takes the trash out, loads his dishes and can prepare a snack.

Any time we try to "review" what steps are next with the activity, he says " mom... I got this.

Life can be so hard for them, with them trying so hard to do the right thing and many times they are told they are wrong.

Tonight I realized.. It will be OK. He will be successful in the future.

Just wanted to send hope to all that are just starting this journey or just need an example of success.

Much love!

[happydad]

Thank you very much for sharing the encouraging news! It's so great to hear the progress, which gives everybody hope!

[Adam081911]

Thank you for posting this! My son is 8 years old. I Loved this part "Mom, I got this." It shows his maturity and trust between you guys. I was imagining your journey like ours.

Sending hugs to you guys! Good work!

[dubstepMaul]

Thanks for your post. Hugs to you.

[Chris_Craig]

Thank you for posting the successes. It does give me hope for my 11 yr old son at a time when I really need it.

[Sofi515]

Thank you so much for sharing that! It is sooooo difficult to see all the efforts we put in as parents and how slow the results bear fruit. I know it's not about results, but it keeps me going when I see just a little bit of progress. Sometimes we got through long periods where the progress is just not very visible. I started keeping a monthly set of accomplishments so I can be aware of my son's achievements. He has A LOT of them, it's just that the day-to-day can be exhausting and it's hard to remember sometimes. I love him so much and only want the best for him so it's amazing to get a little boost to keep going strong.

[Canadianmum]

Thank you! Parents with older kids are such an important resource for this group. You’ve been there done that, and some days we really need hope.

[Hidden]

Thanks so much for the post. I really needed to read this, after such a challenging weekend with my 11 yr old.

[Chooser63]

I love this. Thank you for posting...today is my 18th wedding anniversary and our dinner conversation was about our 14 year old twins with ADHD...and how (perhaps 1) b/c of the pandemic, 2) because of our long 14-year old journey or 3) because we realize what's most important....the lightbulb has gone off....Little steps are huge steps, those who don't walk in our shoes will never see life through our lens and our kids self-esteem and victories are so much more important than what the ignorant sister-in-law with "one" neurotypical child (and I love her - the child) thinks...now I have to make sure I remember that everyday...congratulations on your victories and your job WELL DONE!! Not necessarily the job of showing how to cut but the job of never giving up on your child...you deserve a gold medal!!

[Tiredmama8713]

I loved this and I needed to hear it. Thank you for your post!