Blessings

I know I complain a lot. It's probably part my nature, and part the fact that dealing with ADD and ADHD is really frustrating a lot of the time. But I have to say that despite my complaints, I also am very grateful for this crazy disease. Why? Because it helps me see more clearly, define more finely, the person that I want to be. The type of mother I can be. The genius that is in these children. Our schedules are busy. BUSY. I like it that way, even though it wears me thin. I want my children involved in life. I want my children learning. But even children get overwhelmed. I've been so impressed with my oldest, who has taken on a lot this year. He wanted to try out for competition soccer. I'll be honest and say I was hesitant. Not only is it a huge time and money commitment, but his anxieties typically stop him from functioning fully. I thought it would be a waste of our time since I didn't believe he'd make the team. But my dear, sweet husband was the better side of the scenario and said that we should always show him that we stand behind him. No matter what. So I did and he made the team. I was proud of him for moving past his anxieties and doing something he enjoyed. And it's been HARD. He practices 3-4 times a week, and usually has a couple of games. Add that to piano lessons and scouts and homework...the boy barely has a moment to breathe. But, he taken it in stride and is learning better how to manage his time, and to feel proud of himself. I think this would make any mother proud, but to see him dealing with his ADD and working through all of this still, I have to say that I am grateful. It has helped me to love him and respect him more deeply.

It's already starting...

So the past several days I have been on the couch and in bed with some awful Tonsillitis. I've been miserable and not on top of it...and we're already sliding on homework with No1 (child number 1). BIG SIGH. He's already forgetting stuff at school, and at home...lying about what he has to do...etc. I was livid this morning. Well, that seems to be the case in dealing with him lately. Seriously, what is up with almost-12-year-old-boys? They are SO HARD to deal with! Anywho...I came across this little video today, and what a sweet reminder this was. As a parent I have a great responsibility for teaching my children how to react and how to behave, and how to treat others.

Misc.

Today is the first official day of school for my kindergartner, and you'll never believe what he has lost already. Yep, his new school shoes (remember this post?). He only wore them once since we couldn't find any of his other shoes on that particular day. But, we're not letting it deter us from our excitement. We have AWESOME teachers this year (see this post). Woohoo!!! So since it begins, I'm going through and organizing. I can see how desperately we need better management of our time and our lives. Any tips? Any blogs you like to follow?

And so it begins

Tonight was back to school night. The boys started school this week and tonight was our opportunity to see the classrooms and meet with the teachers, and all I can say is:

GIVE ME A HALLELUJAH!!!

I have a feeling that this is going to be a great year for my boys (I reserve the right to take that statement back at any time). Why is it going to be a great year?

DS1 has a teacher that is organized, and structured, and fun, and calm, and very prepared to make sure the kids are bringing home their homework AND turning it in. She recognizes that not every child CAN do all the homework in the expected time, and is ready and willing to make adjustments as needed. She sends home weekly missing assignment sheets (novel!), and puts expected homework up on her website...wait for it...every day. EVERY DAY! Or at least she says. Oh, oh, and she has a system for parents to know what is important for THEM. Purple paper. Simple, but genius. We are stoked.

DS2 has the BEST kindergarten teacher in the world. No lie. Well, at least that is what we are told. As an added bonus, my hubby actually knows her...since she was a neighbor of theirs while he was growing up. That extra little love right there will go a LONG WAY. Her classroom is insanely organized, and she is so, so happy.

HUGE sigh of relief right now. I mean, I don't want my hopes to be up so far because my heart will break if they are dashed, but already this is better than what we had to deal with last year.

CAN I GET A HALLELUJAH??

School is just around the corner and can I just tell you how excited I am to get back in routine? After a hectic summer I am craving it!! I am on the count down (only 6 more days for my oldest, in case you were wondering, and Kindergarten and pre-school come quickly after that). Hooray!!!

So, now I'm trying to plan out my hours of ME time. What will I do without the hustle and bustle of summer camps, swimming lessons, and kids off of medication? Aaaahhh...maybe clean the house. Decorate. Finish painting. Go shopping. Read a book.

Whoa...can't get too far ahead. I don't have THAT much time. But it's coming...it's coming!!

Diet

Okay, so I know. I KNOW that so many people with ADD/ADHD kids start with the diet. We've never been "bad" eaters. We've always tried to eat lots of veggies, tried to keep the sugar out of the house, we don't buy soda, but will drink it if at a family party, etc. But I'm starting to wonder if it's something I need to be more in control of. I do believe that what we put into our bodies affects how we behave (both physically (i.e. sickness, growth, brain function) and emotionally). But I've never been a "food nazi"...just tried to take things in stride. Earlier this week we tried an experiment. We followed a basic ADD diet. The next day the kids were wonderful. Well, the following day we had a horrible diet (McDonald's for dinner, ice cream, cereal for breakfast, etc.) and the following day the kids were horrible. So...makes me think maybe I should be better. I'm looking into the Feingold program but wondered if any of you few readers (is anyone still here?) have actually tried this, and what you think?

You play with fire and you're gonna get....

So the other night we were putting the kids to bed and my husband asked my five year old what his favorite part of the day was. We'd done some really fun things and had had a good day as a family, and we figured he'd say something about spending the day at the lake, or playing at the park. But no. Instead he said he liked when my oldest (11) took these:
And this:
And made this:
So we had a good long talk with DS 1, and had to show him pictures like this:
to try to get the idea through his head that he shouldn't be doing any of the above. Sometimes it worries me just a little (or a lot) that my child seems to have no executive functioning or impulse control.

How do you manage a child and teach them responsibility? It's moments like this that make me think I might have to follow him around every moment of his life for the rest of his life.