My child is on ADHD medication, and he’s nearly eight years old. I know the judgment is coming, so let me clarify what life is like without those meds. We’ve experienced it, and it’s a chaotic mess for everyone involved—especially for him. He emits loud, bizarre sounds that quickly become grating, leading to his brothers yelling at him in frustration. This, in turn, makes him cry because he’s often unaware he’s even making those noises and doesn’t grasp why it bothers anyone. It’s as if he’s just stepped away from a heavy metal concert, and the world is his stage.
His struggle with frustration is even worse. When it comes to schoolwork, he simply refuses to write. If his penmanship or spelling isn’t flawless, he’ll throw a tantrum after just half an hour of attempting to complete an assignment. Math problems become similarly insurmountable once they get even slightly challenging.
Social interactions are tough for him, too. He faces various behavioral hurdles and never intends to hurt his brothers, even when he swings that plastic sword a little too hard. So, we give him ADHD medication.
Yet, I can already sense your judgment. You might try to convince me that my child doesn’t really need medication. “ADHD is just a result of kids not spending enough time outside,” you say. My kids spend a significant portion of their day outdoors, digging holes and practicing diving.
Or perhaps you’ll claim, “ADHD is caused by too much screen time.” My children watch very little TV, with no gaming console except an old Nintendo, and they think educational YouTube videos are for me to find on the Roku.
You might also suggest that the issue stems from expecting kids to sit still too much. My kids are homeschooled, so they don’t even have desks to sit at!
Then there are the natural remedies: you ask if I’ve tried outdoor time, as if it’s a magical cure. We spend plenty of time in nature—running in and out of the house, catching lizards, and digging holes. But my child still struggles with basic concepts like place value.
You might bring up Omega-3 supplements. We tried those, too. According to ADDitude Magazine, the evidence on their effectiveness is inconclusive. And without a clear test for Omega-3 deficiency, we were left grasping at straws.
You’ll mention CBD oil. However, the lack of regulation in this area makes me hesitate. Why would I trust an unverified product from a store when I can rely on FDA-approved medication from a pharmacy?
Some people suggest ginseng or demand to know what I’ve done about my son’s diet. Yes, we cut out red dye, but you insist I need to eliminate all artificial colors and sugars. You recommend a completely organic diet to avoid pesticides that might exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Did I really not know that? We’ve tried that approach before, and it didn’t work.
You’ll even say I should get him tested for allergies, implying that hidden allergies could mimic ADHD symptoms. But I’m not interested in chasing after every possible allergy just to get him off medication.
Let me be clear: my child’s ADHD medication is life-changing. It allows him to function like a typical kid, to play with his brothers, to make friends, and to learn. We had to teach him to read three times before starting him on medications. This wasn’t a decision made lightly; it was the only viable option.
So please, keep your judgments and suggestions about “natural remedies” to yourself. My child takes ADHD medication, and it works. Those alternatives do not.
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In summary, my child’s ADHD medication is essential for his well-being. While I appreciate the suggestions for natural alternatives, they simply aren’t effective for us. The medication makes a significant difference in his daily life, allowing him to thrive and engage with others.