What are the alternatives besides med's for my child with ADHD?

Hello all,

I have a 8 year old Son that has been diagnosed a year ago with ADHD. My Husband and I decided not to put him on medication but in school and even at home it is starting to get really bad. My husband is in the military and when he was on deployments I seemed to have everything under control and we had a routine but with him home of course everything tumbles. I can't expect him to do the same I do exactly and of course my son is testing my husband how far he can go. Also my older son seems to suffer from my younger son's ADHD and in the past few weeks I also noticed my son with ADHD seems to realize something is going on with him. He just doesn't seem to understand exactly what even when we talk to him about it. He just says he is stupid and such. I know all in all I think I need to put him on meds but I like to be a 100% sure myself even though I know pretty much my entire Family will benefit from it. And I can't be a 100% sure myself if I haven't tried other alternatives. I know it might sound selfish but that is the way I think and feel.
I just want the best for my child in school and at home and not be singled out in school and have him feel awful about himself and have my entire family's patience run thin.

Behavioral therapy and modification. Be supportive and encourage him. ADHD can be a tough road that may need some medication to initially stabilize him in the beginning, but the long term goal is to function well without medication.

My husband was one of the worst cases of ADHD his doctor had seen when he was a child. With medications and behavior modification therapy, he was off meds in less than 3 years and he functions well today.

Find people who can be supportive and encouraging to both you and your son. If your family can't be those people (and sadly sometimes that happens), there are support systems out there. I wish you the best. You sound like a very loving, dedicated mother.

I have heard of trying dietary changes.

Omega 3-fish oil.

Give him plenty of positive attention. Try to minimize the negative attention he recieves. Have LOTS of patience. Find ways to keep him busy doing things he enjoys. Reward him for good behavior. Also you could try counsiling and/or behavior therapy. I would keep meds as a last resort.But if you do use meds, try6 low dosage 1st. Maybe even 1/2 of what the doctor prescribes. I've seen the best results with Adderall. Good luck!!

You are in luck because there is literally TONS of information on the subject of ADHD and natural supplementation. Here are several links on various herbal supplements and natural treatments you can safely administer to your child.

http://www.anxiety-and-depression-soluti...

http://www.healing-arts.org/children/ADH...

http://mind-mart.com/holistic-health/her...

http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com/ADHD.h...

http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Things-You-M...

I hope some of these articles will help you get started on your endeavor. One of the remedies that I personally use on my toddler is the german chamomile essential oil. It is HIGHLY effective at getting him to calm down and relax just before nap time. Good luck to you, and God bless.