It doesn't seem fair that ADHD kids are forced into a box and I'm sure that is frustrating for you. Usually, it takes more than meds to control ADHD, and luckily, proven treatments like fresh air and exercise are free.

As far as finding an environment that fits your son, have you considered an ADHD summer camp? If you are worried about the cost, CHADD is offering Summer Camp Rewards --financial help--for families with ADHD kids. Applications are due by March 4 and can be downloaded on the CHADD website. It would be a great reward for you son.

The ADDitude website offers a lot of good information on getting the most out of your child's IEP.

Here are a few starting points:

How to Write an IEP

Advocating for Your ADHD Child

Steps to Better IEP Meetings

As any active mother of an ADHD child will tell you--getting the right accommodations for your son can be hard work. But it is all worth it.

Good luck, Dena

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I'm there with you. My son catches his bus maybe once every 2 weeks. We are up plenty early, but he plays around intead of getting ready. I am on my last chance with my job because he also makes me late every day. He is also having trouble in school. He is in 2nd grade and on the verge of failing. He also has IEP help, but he complains that he feels rushed to catch up with his work once he is back in class. Homework is an all out war every night. We are having problems with the school, he has "No chocolate" right in his medical records as he tends to be extremely hyper for days after having chocolate...... yet they keep giving it to him! The teacher says she feels bad that he can't have what the other kids do, he is fine with having an alterate snack, but given the chance what kid wouldn't accept the chocolate when offered. He even came home from his IEP reading the other day with a bag of m&ms they had given him as a reward!! Any ideas on how I can get the school to comply? They complain about his behavior, yet keep on giving him things he shouldn't have.

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Your son sounds just like mine. Kyle has a LOT of energy and I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Now, the school has a different opinion. Kyle and I get out the door on time for a couple of reasons. I make sure he goes to bed at a time that will allow him plenty of sleep. If I have to wake him up for school he is quickly off schedule and not really responsive to my requests to get back on schedule. He likes to watch television in the morning, but he doesn’t get to watch until he gets dressed and places his daily snack in his backpack. I allow him to each his nutritious cereal while he watches television (20 minutes or so). Then, shoes and teeth, jacket and backpack and we’re out the door! As far as the IEP, I would ask that they give your son one or more break halfway through the morning and afternoon to allow an energy release. He could deliver a note to the office or OT. Kyle also uses a “sit and move” seat to give him the stimulation of moving in his seat. The teacher has also agreed to letting him stand instead of sit as long as he doesn’t disrupt the class. Lastly, I recommend that you purchase a book call Emotions to Advocacy by Wrightslaw. It’s an excellent book that tips on your sons right to an appropriate and free education. I would recommend making amends with the folks at the school. It would be in the child’s best interest.

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Oh no doubt there is something out there. It's always the troublesome little ones that end up really finding their way in life. Most 5 year olds do act this way anyways. Be glad they're doing it now, and not in high school. I know kids at my school that still act like complete idiots and need to grow up, you're kids are still young, they'll figure things out. I was a rebel when I was younger too, despite the fact that I still get into trouble at school, none of it relates to the work, I've been getting straight A's since the 4th grade.

just keep your children active, let them play sports and do what they want. Just keep them away from video games, period, it's a waste of time, and some people develop addictions to it. They'll learn to pay attention over time, maybe you can start grounding them for a short period of time next time it happens. That's the only way they can learn from their mistakes. It's an action-reaction idea, they get in trouble with teachers, you ground them, they dont want to be grounded, so they wont get in trouble with teachers.

Don't blame yourself as a parent either, all little ones get a little crazy at times.

good luck!

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