Trying It On For Size
As some of you know, I have recently taken my son off of his ADHD medication. Many factors contributed to this decision, too many to get into now. However, we are doing other things to combat his ADHD symptoms. We are no longer bandaging the problem, rather, searching for answers as to the cause of his symptoms. It is not an easy task, to say the least. Gayla can testify to how exhausting it is to be the mother of a child with a disorder. We love our children, dearly. The things we do for them are labors of love, for sure. We do not get paid for our research, testing, constant vigilance for signs of improvement or worsening. Nobody awards our efforts or pats us on the back for dealing with mood swings, physical unpredictability and constant worry. It is just our job.
I have realized, during our struggle to help our son have the problem free life he deserves, how easy it is to judge others. I look back on times that I was out in public and saw a child having one hell of a tantrum and thinking it was due to lack of discipline. I’ve talked with moms, previous to Daniel’s diagnosis, and wondered why the heck they would subject themselves to the stress and labor of trying to control diet, modify behavior and do things naturally, when medicine was readily available to treat their child’s condition. Only after we have been forced to walk a mile in their shoes, do I fully understand their plight, the reasons behind some children’s behavior and the willingness of mothers to take on such exhausting labors.
Wow! What an epiphany this journey has been and will continue to be. I am mentally, emotionally and physically worn down to a thread. I have never been so stressed out in my life. I watch my son have withdraws and try to adjust to our new way of eating and living, with a sharp pain in my heart. I know that it isn’t easy for him. As hard as it is on me to try and guide him through and aid his recovery, it has to be torture on him to live through. My heart breaks for him, every time he fights the urge to lash out. I feel so guilty when he has anxiety attacks and I suspect it is the result of his body adjusting to the lack of medication. If this isn’t hell, I don’t ever want to go there. I can’t imagine anything worse than watching my child suffer. My heart goes out to all of the parents who do the same, everyday. I will try to never pass judgment on another parent who sits helplessly while their child rages out of control. I will try to show compassion to parents who do things unconventionally. I will do my best to mentally walk that mile in the shoes of another, before I assume anything. It is very different to be the wearer of those shoes…uncomfortable, too tight, causing emotional blistering.
Tags: ADHD, anger, anxiety, behavior, children, compulsive, concentration, diet, disorders, dizziness, doctors, Focalin XR, impulsive, medical, nutrition, Parenting, tantrums, withdrawRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Parenting
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