For those of you who care to know. We had conferences for Sam tonight and I'm happy to report that all his teachers love him and he's doing well in his classes. Keyboarding is still a challenge, but there's time for him to make-up work and raise his grade. He truly doesn't like this class. On Sunday we had a long talk about responsibility. I shared a scripture found in D&C 88 where it talks about preparing every needful thing. I explained to Sam how he could apply this in his daily life. He was very receptive and has made efforts to improve his behavior and for the last two days has succeeded. We have enjoyed the peace! We also talk about his ADHD and how we will not use that as an excuse for failure at home or at school. I shared with him the characteristics of someone with ADHD. I asked if he recognize them in himself. He replied that he did. I then explained that he had the power to change them and make life easier for himself. We work hard to keep him on task at home and school, but he doesn't always realize that it's a team effort. If he doesn't do his part it's not going to work. I think something clicked with him and he gets now. This is just one battle that was won but in the long run will help him win the war.
I've seen other children with ADHD and their parents struggle so much. Getting their children to succeed is a challenge. I have done a lot of research on this subject and decided not to medicate Sam. It takes a lot more work but it can be done. We decided to give him Omega 3 and a B complex supplements and this has really helped him. My niece Evelynne suggested the Omega 3 and his 6th grade teacher Ms. Folston suggested the B complex. We also have tried to keep busy with sports and provide a more healthy diet. I've read books that have given me tools that I can use. I also feel fortunate to have always been able to work with his teachers. They have been such a support to us. This year I prayed fervently that his teachers would see the good in Sam and that has come to pass. They see that he is smart and expect a lot from him.
Anyway, I hope that this post will give someone some hope if you're struggling with this subject. I'm grateful for the experience and blessed to have the gospel as source of strength. I know that I have been guided through this journey. Ms. Folston once told us how impressed she was that we didn't let this be a crutch for Sam. She said she saw a lot parents who do. I've always known that we were doing the right thing. It can be so exhausting to have a child with ADHD, but the successes are worth the effort. I often think what kind of life Sam would of had without me. I know I was meant to be his mother. That makes my sense of responsibility much greater. I know that I can't do this job without the influence of the spirit.
There are times I'm not the best mother and I don't handle things well, but I never give up trying to do the right thing. What I learned on Sunday is the scriptures are better tool than time out in the bathtub. He's getting older and he needs a better technique. I know that there will be setbacks, but for now it gives me hope for Sam's future. We'll take it one day at a time!
