Monday, March 5, 2012
fail
Eight weeks into Brain Balance, and I have sat here watching Whit avoid his homework diligently for over an hour now. He is supposed to be writing down key words regarding activities he did over the weekend--not even whole sentences. But my dear Space Cadet has wasted an hour talking to cats, talking to me, going to the bathroom, walking around, doodling on his paper, laying his head on the table, eating some food, closing his eyes, staring unfocused at the ceiling... an hour plus. And now he's getting frustrated with himself. I'm betting by the end of the night, we'll see tears. Thanks, Brain Balance! You suck.
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Well, what would happen if you just...let him NOT do his homework, and go into school empty-handed?
ReplyDeleteOk, read through your blog because I was interested in info for Noelle. Here are some thoughts...
ReplyDeleteFood allergies can definitely impact behavior. I'd go to an allergist, though. My understanding is that most of what impacts ADHD are chemicals like red food dye.Protein can impact blood sugar levels which can impact focus. But that's a simple fix - a protein bar. :)
Ean's class replaced all of their chairs with exercise balls. I've noticed that over the course of the school year, he has serious abs, better focus and the occasional bouncing helps get the wiggles out. I've been debating on replacing my kitchen chairs with them to help the kids.
Congrats, Whit, on being such a smarty pants!!
My kids take 2 gummy fish oil vitamins each day and love them. Are they the fancy expensive kind, hell no, but they'll do. They eat them.
Just because a kid is playing with a chair doesn't mean he's not focusing. I give my CCD little kids papers to color the entire time I talk. It keeps their hands busy. Every time I ask a question, all of their hands go up. When they take a test, they've all gotten 100%. I shake my leg the entire time I'm watching tv - and I'm focusing on tv. Just need to get the wiggles out.
Honestly, I put Noelle on meds. Your friend said that ADD kids are all fat - that is the exact opposite. The meds are speed - it's nearly impossible to get them to eat and we go in for weight checks every 3 months to make sure they're gaining weight and growing. Noelle is on 5 mg of extended release generic adderal. It isn't perfect, but the days she doesn't take it are so difficult. She's staring into space and no where on planet earth. The days she takes it, she's engaging, focused and able to get through her school work. We had to do the extended release because otherwise she couldn't get her homework done. The key is to use the lowest dose possible and realize that the kid is what they are. You can't change them, you just have to give them enough to be successful until they are mature enough and physically able to develop the coping mechanisms to survive on their own in the world. Noelle is making huge strides and I'm going to try to take her off the meds at least for the summer. But, if she isn't able to maintain her friendships because she's off on Planet Noelle, then I'm putting her right back on them. Blows to self confidence are not going to get her where I need her so that we can eventually take her off the meds. It's all about timing. It's all trial and error.
Noelle also tried not doing her homework. I put a time limit on it. What was done by bedtime was done. What wasn't, didn't get turned in. She didn't like the bad grades so she's working harder and getting it done...some days better than others. A little tough love doesn't hurt and I figure it's elementary school so it's ok to slip up now.
You haven't failed. There are good days and bad days. Hang in there. You're doing a terrific job!
Lots of love!
Candi