ADHD or not?

[Linda Austin]

Hi everyone! I am diagnosed with ADD and so is my 11 year-old daughter. I have a six year-old daughter who is not diagnosed, but I've noticed so many signs of ADD, but with the H thrown in on this one. She remembers directions for a few seconds, and I spend tons of time directing and redirecting her, she loses everything. Church (even the part that's geared for kids), dinner, standing in line, or anything else that doesn't involve a lot of activity are torture because she can't sit still. Last night we had parent/teacher conferences, and while I sat and talked to her sister's teachers, she was hanging on me, she was laying on me, she was on the floor, she was peeking over each of my shoulders saying, "Look Mom, I'm over here! Now I'm over here!" I finally begged her to go play with some kids on the other side of the room so I could think! The moment we walked into her classroom, a magical transfomation occurred. She sat between her teacher and me with Buddah-like serenity, her hands folded on the table as the teacher gushed about what a wonderful student she is. I asked her if she had noticed my daughter squirming or fidgeting or having trouble sitting still or her attention wandering and she answered no! WHAT??!! How is that possible? I understand that having to behave all day she might have stored up energy to get rid of at night, but this goes on all weekend, too. I'm not aware that ADHD symptoms come and go. So now I'm left wondering if this is another issue altogether. Bad parenting? Youngest child syndrome? With three older siblings, we've been parenting for 18 years plus I'm now working full time and we're a little tired and maybe not discipling like we should be. Any ideas? Thanks!

[Joan Brennan]

Dear Linda,
This scenario you describe here about your youngest daughter is most interesting. However, for you, it must certainly be most exhausting! This smart little six-year-old seems to thrive on attention. If her "hyperactivity" is selective (only demonstrated at certain times) and the activity is apparent when the focus is not on her, she may just be wanting more attention from you and others. This can be typical of a youngest child in a large family.

I would advise talking to your child's pediatrician as soon as you have an opportunity to do so. Her physician will give you tips on what would be best for your child, for both the short and long-term. This will help both your daughter, you, and the entire family.

Please give us an update when you can!

Joan
Teacher K-8
www.ReadingFocusCard.com
www.BrennanInnovators.com

[Linda Austin]

Thanks, Joan - I will!