I'm so out of options!!
I'm a single mum 2 kids, miss 8, Mr 4. Miss is a beautiful girl, smart, very respectful and full of life.. Mr well he has "suspected" ADHD. Right now I'm feel stuck and like a failure! My son is just so bloody hard to deal with! He won't sleep, wont stay in bed, wont sit still, won't eat a full meal, he steals things, lies and destroys everything he touches including my phone and $2,000 tv. He picks on his sister, slaps her with sticks, punches, kicks, slaps and throws anything he can pick up (including bricks) at her and myself. Ive been called into kinder more times than I can count because of his complete lack of respect towards his carers and other children, not only that but the innapropriate behaviour is getting way out of hand (he has rubbed his doodle on little girls thinking it's funny). When ever anyone trys to pull him into line or tell him off he exploads with anger! My whole family is stressed and stepping on egg shells around a little 4 yr old, he's completely upset the whole family dynamic. It's not like I spoil him or never punish him, I mean my daughter is a great example of good parenting and I've parented her with out her dad in the picture (2 kids 2 different dad).
His father doesn't see a problem even though he knows about everything he does, he just tells me "Well if you can't deal with him I'll take him" acting like I want to get rid of him.. His father also owes me $5,000 in childsupport payments (he works for himself and child support have been chasing him) and won't help me with any of the appointments even though he has our son on his private health policy. So I have to go through the public system, BUT it will cost me $480 per an appointment to get him diagnosed and it's not just one appointment.
I'm just so defeated and so stressed right now, I cant even think! I love him to death and I know there is a sweet, loving, beautifully caring little boy inside him bursting to come out, but by god am I going to deal with this for 2 years to get him diagnosed and on a treatment plan. I may needs to scrimp and save for the $480 appointments..
4 Replies
With child support does CSA collect? If they do, start ringing to chase your money up. If you aren't doing CSA... Get on it so you get some money towards these appointments.
I would speak to a pharmacist to see if they could help with the sleep issue, melatonin at night time or valerian helped my friends ADHD son quite a bit.
Also if his isn't eating bioceuticals do this powder you can make into a shake for children who are fussy eaters or won't eat at all.
I hope you get some help soon x
I am a single mum of 2 children with ADHD and it’s is hard and exhausting! I found the Additude website and podcast very helpful and How To ADHD on You Tube.
My kids received their diagnosis’ from a Paediatrician and their father still denies they have it. However, as it is a neurological disorder (and not behavioural), I medicate both of my children and they would not be able to function otherwise. But, when they visit their dad every couple of weeks, he won’t medicate them.
I would be going back to your GP and asking for a referral to a paediatrician through the public hospital. If that's not possible in your area, ring around, different places do charge different amounts and the amount you get back differs too. I have chosen to see a private paediatrician and the prices differed from $180 to $350 both with very different rebates, and the costs of the assessments also differed hugely.
Please put yours and your child's health before child support. Dont sit and wait for the day the money hits your bank, you could be waiting for years!
In the mean time, as previous reader stated, look into remedies to help with sleep. A good nights sleep makes anyone, young or old, days so much easier. I'd then be looking at his diet. Removing all processed foods.
How is your sons diet. No sugar mum. No food colour, no junk food. It's like speed to a adhd kid. Lots of outdoor time, lots of excersize you need to 'run the naughty' out of him. I have a son who is now 7 and he was always like this. Time out I would have to lock him in his room as he wouldn't stay where I put him. Bedtime, close the door, dark room and sit in there with him till he goes to sleep. Same time every night. If he can't sit still, he just can't. Don't expect him to do something he is not able to do. With my son if I took him on a long walk, later he was more able to sit still. Good luck!! Xx