"You medicate your child?"

Man, I really hate that question.

Yes, I willingly medicate my children. Don't judge me for it. If I had a kid who had diabetes or epiliesy, you wouldn't say anything about me giving my kid a medication, but because it is for ADHD, you question me.

I get this sentiment from family members, colleagues and even complete strangers. Trust me, I have done my research on this. My kids being able to focus and get good grades in school and to me, that is what is important.

You are at my house when the princesses meds wear off and she is having a meltdown and throwing stuff at me and her brother and she is trying to kick a hole in the wall. You are there when the old man has a meltdown because he doesn't understand why he has so much trouble concentrating when other kids don't.

With over a decade of classroom experience, I have seen what can happen to a kid who needs to be medicated and isn't. I have also seen what happens when a kid who needs meds, gets them. Trust me, you don't want to be the parent who could have helped your child, but didn't because you are against the idea of medication. It's not worth it educationally.

So, yes, I medicate my kids on a daily basis and I am completely at peace with the decision.

***

How do you deal with this question? Please share! :)

Comments

[pdw]

You know what? If you chose not to medicate, then you would have to deal with the people asking you why you didn't. You would have to deal with the teachers, doctors, friends, family members, and strangers who demand to know why these kids were not on Ritalin. Ignorance goes both ways; you are the one who knows best for your own family.

[Alana Morales, Author of Domestically Challenged]

Very well said!!