New to the group

[MrsKathiB]

Hey y'all. My 3 year old son was diagnosed with ADHD about 6 months ago. We began the generic form of Focalin about 4 months ago, and it seems as though it's no longer working. I'm definitely here for advice and to know that we're not in this alone. It feels as though no one knows what we're going through. My boy has the sweetest heart, but he cannot control his impulsive behaviors. If he is frustrated/angry then he will yell, hit, kick, and throw things. He's thrown his chair at his daycare and accidentally hit his teacher in one of his fits. He has gone to the director's office numerous times. I believe that the only reason he hasn't been kicked out is that his daycare is on the same campus where I work.

Our biggest struggle is with discipline. If y'all have any helpful tips for disciplining I would be so appreciative. The things that work for our other children don't work for him, and it makes life at home not very pleasant at times.

If you've read this far, thank you. I appreciate you all!

[ilovepumpkinspice]

My son had similar behaviors at 3. He was in preschool and hit his gym teacher across the face so hard that her glasses flew across the floor. I was at my wits end. He wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD and ODD until he turned 5. We use a combination cognitive behavior therapy once per week, parent training, meds and behavioral management. For behavioral management, the only incentive that works for him is earning money for good behavior. We use a level system combined with token economy and that is how he earns his money to buy things that he wants. For example, for 1-15 violations per day he gets $1.00, for 16-29 he gets $.50 and for 30 or more he gets $0. I also focus on one big behavior each month that he is very resistant to. For example, sleeping in his own bed all night without a fight will earn him extra and the punishment for not doing so will simply be not earning. It’s a matter of figuring out what motivates your child. If it’s stickers, then do that. With my son, it seems that the less emotional energy he can pull out of me, the better. I remind myself often that he can’t help it and if I’m not regulated, I can’t expect him to be. So, we don’t yell or use a mean tone. We simply give a violation and move on. If he doesn’t earn what he wants, then that is his choice and his consequence. I hope this helps a little.