7yr old son struggling in school.

[bigmamapagaza]

I don't want to get him on meds yet but he's getting behind in school and doesn't want to do any more work at home. I feel bad because I dont want to overload him. Is there any way to break up study time at home so the one on one teaching from me will make him more successful?  Should I cut out all tv time?

[specialmom]

Hi, My son doesn't have add/adhd but it's lookalike cousin, sensory integration disorder.  We worked with an occupational therapist for a long time----  my son too was very resistant to the concept of homework and found sitting hard at times in school.  One thing that helps is a lot of physical activity (or at least my son).  This helps 'slow' down the nervous system so that he can stay more focused.  He may need an IEP at school in which he gets targeted support in school to help with his academics.  This could include lots of things including things like time with your school's reading specialist, extra math help, etc.  He'd need to be evaluated by the professional staff of your school---  occupational therapist, physical therapist and psychologist to make a determination if he qualifies.  But even without an IEP, our school sends in the helpers for kids that are struggling academically.  

At home, we never start homework unless we've run around the block in a game of chase or a race, jumped on the trampoline, hung off the monkey bars, kicked a soccer ball, did animal walks across the floor, etc. as my son has a hard time sitting still and thinking clearly unless we have.  Then we have things wHILE he is working including chewing gum, licorice (those oral things help calm the nervous system as well), the ability to sit or stand if he wants, lots of pencils, erasers, etc. right where we need them, etc.  A homework station is what the OT calls it.  

How is your son's handwriting, by the way?  I have found with my sons when helping in the class that sometimes kids of around 7 yrs old balk at work at school and home because they have trouble with handwriting.  They then avoid doing anything that they have to write for which is . . .  almost everything!  

Last, I'm a big fan of a tutor.  They seem to be able to get a little farther with kids than their own parents at times.  I have never hired one but have friends who have with great success.  That one on one help can make a big difference.  

good luck

[JGF25]

Also, I didn't take my younger son off of Adderall...he just couldn't seem to remember to take it.  I'm sure he can't remember to use the natural product either most days.  

[JGF25]

You may have tried some natural products and they didn't work for you but I don't think you should go around saying "they are a waste of money and some may even be harmful."  My son has been on Adderall...actually both of my sons.  One says the come down is awful and he couldn't believe I was giving it to my other son.  I think the degrees of ADD/ADHD make the medications work differently for each person.  When my soon to be 20 year old tells me he can tell a difference when he takes the natural product, I am inclined to believe him.  So go the natural route or don't but don't tell people that they are all a waste of money.  I am talking about one that my children says works.  

And as for rewarding...yes that can work sometimes and so can taking things away.  But what I have found, again in my own experience, is that no matter how much reward or how much I take away, nothing changes and the reason is not because he doesn't want the reward or because he doesn't want his Xbox back, it is because is is unable to change at this stage in the game.  

[kirk8]

I agree that 7 is to young to put a child on meds.  I'm a big advocate for using ADHD meds when they are necessary because I've seen what a positive impact they have had on my life.  But I would never advocate putting a child on meds before the age of 10 or so.  

In my opinion, all the "natural" products on the market are garbage.  They are a waste of money and some may even be harmful.  Don't go that route.  

Listen to Sandman.  He's a real expert and gives better advice than anyone else on here.  I've learned a lot from him.

My only other suggestion is to try rewarding your son when he works hard in school.  And praise him when he works hard, even when the results of that hard work are less than optimal.

[JGF25]

Hi there.  Sandman knows what he is talking about but I will just add the my son uses a natural product (he used to be on Adderall) and said that it helps him.  I cannot post the link on here because they will remove it but if you PM me I can tell you what my son uses.  Even my college aged son uses it and says it helps.  Anyway, I have no affiliation with this company and I cannot make any guarantees about it for your son but I found it to be reasonably priced enough to at least try.  (my older son was resorting to weed which is why I went looking for a natural product)...a natural product that wasn't illegal I should say LOL

Also, agreed...504 MUST be in place.  You have to push for the testing in the school so that your son can get the accommodations he deserves.  And when you get those accommodations, make sure they follow through with them.  Hold them accountable.  

[bigmamapagaza]

Thank you! !!!!

[Sandman2]

   Oh boy, if he is only 7 - that's really young to be struggling at school, and he still has a long way to go.
   I will give you some good links with ideas for study at home, but that isn't really going to help at school.  You really need to get a 504 in place for him, so that the school can also help him.  I suggest that you buy, "The ADD/ ADHD Answer book," by Susan Ashley.  Its maybe $12  or so on Amazon.  You really need the info in the book.
    This site will give you lots of very helpful information on working with your child.
        http://www.additudemag.com/resource-center/adhd-at-school-better-organization.html
        And lots and lots of good resources and ideas here -
     Please let me know if you need any more info.  Best wishes.
       http://www.addresources.org/?q=node/2014

[bigmamapagaza]

My son's teacher isn't supportive at all. The more I try to discuss his goals and work, the more she tells me that my son is terrible at his work and never going to catch up. I'm just seeking opinions of others. This is new to me.

[MarkLakewood3367]

Since your question is very difficult to answer without more info, I would suggest that you discuss your concerns and questions to the school teacher and school counselor.