Hello,
I am fairly new here. My son has had what was called "behavior problems" since before he started school. He was diagnosed in May, 2003 with ADHD. My biggest problem with him at home is his being argumentative. He is 9 years old and VERY headstrong. You can ask him a question and he will yell at you. Other times he answers appropriately.
I am finding myself extremely frustrated and angry with his behavior at times. I need to know how I can appropriately deal with his negative behavior when it occurs. I am going to start attending an anger support group for myself because I have already smacked him (alot of good that does) and I am afraid of hurting him.
Besides dealing with how *I* react to his negative behavior(s), any other things I can do? I think just venting here has helped alot.
Thanks for hearing me out. This forum is helpful.....
Lisa (Daniel's Mom):)

It sounds like he could have ODD, with the ADHD. ODD kids display a lot of what you are going through-the negativity, defiance, being argumentative, having a hard time with adult authority. My 9 year old has ADHD/ODD, so I can relate to what you are going through. It is really tough. He is involved in counseling. Make sure, that you get breaks for yourself, too. It can be really overwhelming. Good luck. I hope things get better at home.

Yeah, it does sound like ODD could be an issue. My son is also severe ADHD/ODD. I agree with jlscott that therapy has been an absolute godsend. Not just for my son, but for the whole family. It is an EXTREMELY frustrating combination and you do need to make sure that you get lots of breaks.

Feel free to vent here anytime...I know exactly how important venting can be!

Kim

My son is 11 years old and I just took him off Concerta a few days ago. He was on it for 3 years and Adderall before that. Although the meds help him get through the day at school, the side affects are horrible and they grew worse as time went on. Mornings/Evenings consisted of yelling, tantrums, crying, etc. usually over the smallest thing like brushing his teeth. I know what you mean about being frustrated. I started him on a B-Complex and 5-HTP a couple of weeks ago. He has been doing really well. Tomorrow I am adding L-Carnitine and Magnesium. Tantrums are subsiding and he is showing more affection towards me. I am confident that he'll continue to get better as the Concerta gets out of his system. Also, watch out for additives and dyes in processed food. As a test, I gave my son a sugar free popsicle with Red Dye #40. Within an hour he was agitated, talking back, etc. I am going to start weeding out other "trigger" foods as well.
Glad to hear I'm not the only painfully frustrated parent:eek:
Theresa
PS. If anyone has had any sucess with the natural meds, let me know.