| As an ADHD coach and former therapist, I get | | | | She wrote more in a later e-mail: |
| asked a lot of different questions. Here's one | | | | I have been given advice to have her medicated |
| example I wanted to share with you: | | | | for ADHD. But I don't want that. I am afraid that |
| My 3 year old daughter is what I consider to be | | | | if I say it is ADHD, her pediatrician will immediately |
| an 'active' toddler. In the last several months, she | | | | prescribe medications for her. Other parents have |
| has been getting worse and worse and I don't | | | | told me that we do not allow her enough time to |
| know what to do. She is constantly getting into | | | | exercise and express her energy and it just |
| things, stays up until after midnight, and then | | | | makes me feel like a bad parent. What did I do? |
| wakes up before my husband and I (as early as | | | | Everyone seems to think I cause this! |
| 5 AM sometimes). Nothing seems to calm her | | | | Steps you can follow first: |
| down. | | | | Step 1: Look inside yourself. |
| I am really worried and I have tried everything. | | | | Now that you've heard opinions from other |
| Oh yea, and my daughter is incredibly creative | | | | parents and anyone else sharing advice, what |
| but she won't sit still long enough to express | | | | does your gut tell you? |
| herself. I have tried different crafts and other | | | | Step 2: Consult a pediatrician right away. |
| activities, and nothing seems to work for her. | | | | Whenever you are concerned about a child's |
| I guess I am just concerned that it could be | | | | health or well-being, it is always best to ask that |
| ADHD. I am hearing a lot of that lately, and I | | | | question. Never sit with it. Explain the behavior, |
| really don't want my three year old daughter on | | | | and why you are concerned. Don't tell him or her |
| medication. I have two older children, and they | | | | that you think it might be ADHD. |
| were never this bad. They were never this active | | | | Step 3: Ignore other people. |
| and mischievous. | | | | Too many people don't know what they are |
| Can 3 year olds have ADHD? I really don't want | | | | talking about when it comes to ADHD and |
| to medicate her, but I am running out of other | | | | children. Your best bet is to find trustworthy |
| ways and ideas to best control and help my | | | | sources and reliable friends who truly know from |
| daughter. Please help. | | | | experience. |
| Can you hear the desperation in this Mom's | | | | Find like-minded people who will help you. |
| words? | | | | |