Sit and Think for a Spell...

Today marked a six-month follow-up visit with Little Dude's developmental pediatrician- the one who gave the ADHD diagnosis over a year ago.

And now we're left with some pretty serious decision making.

To medicate or not to medicate.

You see, we've been putting off medicating because the side effects just sound less than wonderful and maybe, perhaps, we've even been a little ignorant about it.

Recently there have been some behaviors that have me a little concerned. My instinct is these behaviors are more an anxiety/stress reaction than anything else. There's the hair pulling that led to the bald spot on top of his head. We're experiencing more meltdowns at home. More defiance. More frustration.

And could all of these behaviors be due to stress because he's trying so hard to fit into a mold that was not made for kids like him? So much is expected of him at school and maybe he's trying so hard there, he comes to pieces at home,.

Today, I am torn. Today, I feel I need more answers. Perhaps medication might be the way to go.

Right now, I feel the need to think on some things the doctor said. I feel the need to pursue some more answers, while also considering medication.

I am not going to go out and find resources for this blog entry. I just want to put out there how this is a real struggle for our family and for so many families like ours. I'm not saying that medicating is wrong or bad. It could be the right choice for us and I know it is the right choice for a lot of others.

So, I guess it's time to sit and think for a bit...