Mommy Proof #34: What works for your family, works for YOUR family.

Guess what? Last week, we were all waiting for our children in the car line. I overheard one of the funniest statements I ever heard. "I. Would. Never...." Those three words are designed for the foolish. I do not believe you can ever say "never" in reference to what you will do in life. Life just isn't that simple. This conversation was about ADHD medications, other diagnosis, and children.

Guess what else? I used to be that parent. Everything was over diagnosed. Children were overly medicated. If people disciplined better, their children would behave better. Then, I had children. It was fine at first. The kids were well behaved. They acted liked kids, sometimes needed to be redirected, but, overall, parenting was pretty uneventful. Until, I sent them to school.

I'm not going to mention which one of my children, but let's just say that kid is a chatterbox. Never met a stranger. Always has a response. Stays asking a question, then telling you the answer. It was fine in kindergarten and 1st grade. The second grade, we started seeing yellows every now and then. In third grade, I saw an inconsistency with grades, but still doing well enough to pass. That was the first time a teacher asked about a possibility of attention deficit disorder. I ignored the teacher.

That wasn't my child's problem. My kid wasn't trying hard enough. I thought if we focused better. Maybe we should study more. Then, fourth grade started. I began to see this outgoing and happy kid have feelings of worthlessness. I would chastise and rack my brain as to how a test could be taken and the WHOLE second page was skipped resulting in a 15%.  Stuff I knew we went over would be missed on an assignment. One day, I decided to see, just see, what the symptoms of ADHD and ADD were. If that list didn't describe my child.....every, single, thing. It broke my heart. I failed my child based on my own views of reality.

Well, we changed diets. We played around with schedules. We attempted different ways of studying and focusing.  Nothing worked. So we decided to start medication. The grades came up and with that self-confidence followed suit. This is what I learned:

1. ADHD/ADD may be able to be treated in different ways, but sometimes medication is needed.
2. If medication is needed, it doesn't have to change your child into a "zombie." If your child does have those issues, then something needs to be addressed. We started with the smallest dosage and never experienced those issues. If we had, we would have changed medications.
3. Seek professional help if you see signs and symptoms. Do not allow you children to become disheartened.

I don't know if the rise in diagnosis are environmental or what, but they are on the rise. Do not fail your child.

Mommy Proof #33: Enjoy the moment.

I took three and a half months off from blogging. I shut down partially. I still posted pictures to tell my story on Instagram and Facebook, including countless others that went to close family and friends. Pictures tell a story. I am sure my kids are tired of the camera or phone always being ready for a snapshot, but they serve a purpose. My loves will see their lives through my eyes. Always a moment ready to be captured. A smile waiting to be memorialized. As these days fade from moment to moment and time blends into time, I want them to remember. They were loved. They were happy. They are the source of my joy.