Son with ADHD?

Question

I have a 6 year old boy who was diagnosed with ADHD 2 weeks ago. He is on Ritalin and takes a very small dosage in the morning and is supposed to wear off after 5 or so hours. He is doing really good in school, the teacher doesn't know he is on it which is how I know it's working even though I don't notice much at home. The problem I am having is that his dad and I are divorced and his dad refuses to give it to him while he is with his dad. I know this can't be good on my son if he is taking the pill at home an then not at his dad. He goes to his dad every other weekend. Well, 1) it can't be good on my son health wise and 2) his father has no rights to make that decision it says so in the divorce decree 3) if his father makes that choice to not give it to him, is that like medical abuse? I just need some serious advice, thanks.

Answer 1

While I know parents that do not give their kids meds on weekends or over summer, I find much more consistency with my son when he does take his meds daily.  I would honestly start with your pediatrician and get their opinion and then go to your attorney.  Perhaps this is something that will necessitate amending the divorce arrangements.  Good luck.

Answer 2

no it not medical abuse your ex-husband has every right to do what if feels is right for your son when he is in his care! I don't think all the kids on these meds. need to be but thats just me! Try to talk to your ex about it and work out an agreement that is good for all 3 of you!

Answer 3

I would definitely raise this question with the pediatrician, and ask what the downsides or risks are from taking the medication only intermittently.  If there really aren't any, then I wouldn't worry about it.  If there are, I'd talk to a lawyer.

Answer 4

well i used to think like ^^^ the above ^^^ until i met this one kid, absolutely uncontrollable and i changed my views completely

yes some kids are just energetic and i don't agree 'drugging' them then

but when they are uncontrollable, hitting parents, teachers running out in the road then it may be the last resort

Answer 5

I personally do not believe in drugging the kids, especially when they're not sick. I'm siding with the dad, did you consder the alternatives instead of drugs, like sign him up for sports, scouts or anything that would let him burn the energy.

I think these days everybody is looking for an easy solution.

Sorry, it's just my opinion. I think it's worse abuse to drug kids. Also, there is no way that effects of the drug would be noticable in 2 weeks, as most medications for mental health, it takes 4-6 weeks to show results.