My seven-year-old takes her ADHD medication from her day-care provider, but fights me every time I try. Is this some sort of power struggle?
by Sandy Maynard
If your daughter takes her ADHD medication for the day-care provider, but not for you, it does sound like a power struggle.
Rather than concentrate on the battle itself, concentrate on something you can control — your response to the battle. The less emotional you are, the fewer signals you will send your child that she has a chance of winning. All kids will hold out for what they want (or in this case, what she doesn’t want) if they think they have a chance of victory.
Even if you’re seething inside, pretend to be unaffected by her opposition. Breathe deeply. You should also try to choose your battles. Since your daughter takes her pill for the day-care provider, why fight it? Let her administer your child’s medication.