The brothers and sisters of children with ADHD are sometimes referred to as “ghost siblings.” Ghost siblings often seem invisible in comparison to the other child whose behaviour can include impulsivity, strong emotional expression, and hyperactivity. My ghost child is constantly getting the … [Read more...]
I Can’t Wait To Give My Child A Label
I can’t wait to label my child. I realize what an inflammatory statement that is, but it is categorically, without hesitation, true. If I'm being honest, he has quite a few labels already: Cute, smart, stubborn, unique, high needs, emotional, creative—the list goes on. But I’m looking for a … [Read more...]
ADHD Medication Didn’t Make My Son A Zombie—It Gave Him Back To Us
I thought I had seen some dumb things on the internet. I am a regular surfer and seem to be sucked into vortexes of idiocy on a regular basis. But then I came across Nicole Arbour’s video and realized I have only just scratched the surface. I will spare you from watching the painful video, and … [Read more...]
AD/HD: It’s Not Just for Kids Anymore
Not that long ago, I went to see a psychiatrist for the first time.It's kind of a funny story how I ended up there, but the Cole's Notes version is that my kids drove me crazy. True story.But whatever the cause, there I was sitting in her office and answering all her backgrounder-type questions with … [Read more...]
HotDocs: Free The Mind
We all probably know at least one family with a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD. Friends I know are determined to find ways to cope on a daily basis and, if possible, with minimal or no meds. This year, HotDocs, The Canadian Documentary Film Festival, includes the world premiere of FREE THE … [Read more...]
Finally somebody is listening with both ears!
Finding out my son was autistic didn't come as a surprise but rather as a relief, yet realizing he has a mental illness as well, wasn't such a relief. It made me feel helpless, guilty, and posioned my mind with so many "what if?" questions."What if I had rested more during my pregnancy?""What … [Read more...]
Soundtrack for Life
Tehre are lots of teen books with a music theme - and I read a lot of them because, like the teens they are aimed at, I love music, so I'm drawn to them. It's simple - but the books aren't always simple and fluffy stuff. These two are solid reads about kids trying to find their way - and making … [Read more...]
My ADHD Child
Here is a poem by a woman named Tracey Nicolas that I wanted to share with my readers. It is looking at the positives in children with ADHD although it could really be about any child. I have this hung by my front door so every morning when I get frustrated with the complications of ADHD … [Read more...]
All I want for Christmas……
The day after Halloween my kiddies were on a mission to let me know what they wanted for Christmas. The tree went up on the 25 of November so at least that was better than last year's November 1!I am actually really tired of listening to their "Wants" so I thought I would throw out a list of … [Read more...]
Come pick your child up please – he is out of control!
This has to have been one of the worse days ever! As you know Ryley has severe ADHD (yes that is one of his labels!) and he started medication to help him focus and to be less impulsive because he is a danger to himself and others.Well one of the side effects he has experienced is insomnia - severe … [Read more...]