Parenting, medicating child?

You need to talk to the doctor about this - but it might be that the least disruptive way for your son of diagnosing it is to give him the pills for a short period and see if they work or not. If not, then stop. It's not some permanent decision which you can't go back on (at least it shouldn't be - if they are that kind of pill them I'm with you and you need a proper diagnosis first).

ADHD is a condition where the frontal cortex of the brain is understimulated. Brain scans show this. It is a medical condition, and medication is a treatment for it. You would not deny your child an inhaler if he had asthma. Most children who truly have ADHD NEED medicine. Now, once the medication gives the child the ability to respond to other therapies, they should be included. Your child still has to LEARN organizational skills, focus skills, social skills, etc., and you still have to teach him. That's why "throwing pills" at the problem won't work, but your child might not be able to benefit from the other therapies without the medicine. Usually children with ADHD require both. It's HARD work. That is why it upsets me so much when people say that parents who medicate their child with ADHD are just too lazy to discipline their kids. That is total nonsense and they don't know what they're talking about.

Now, I will say that I would make sure you have a very thorough evaluation and solid diagnosis, not just a questionnaire filled out for the pediatrician. Go to a child psychologist or a neurologist. Rule out other causes for your son's symptoms that can mimic ADHD (food sensitivities or dietary imbalances, sensory disorders, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, etc.) and get a thorough evaluation that includes a detailed interview with you and an observation with your child. There are also objective tests that measure attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. My daughter had one called the Quotient test. http://www.biobdx.com/products/quotient-adhd-test

I did not put my child on medication until I saw the results of that test and she had a thorough evaluation. Medication has allowed my daughter to be successful in school, have friends, and has allowed our family to function healthily. How can I deny my daughter that? I am NOT saying that I am sure your son needs medication. I cannot diagnose him. I'm just saying not to rule it out. While I disagree with "just trying" medication without a very clear diagnosis from a very good evaluation, your husband is right that you can absolutely stop medication if you don't like the effects it has on your son. Good luck. These are tough decisions as a parent. I know. I've been there.

Well if your son has adhd he is feeling wild and crazy in his mind. His mind is racing. My great nephew is in 1st grade and he went into the bathroom in school and put toilet paper and paper towels down the toilet, He is very aggressive and can't sit still. Well my niece took him to the doctors and they put him on something. He is such a different kid. So much better. He would always want to wrestle his sisters and be rough but once is started taking this medicine, He was so calm, helped his mom fold the wash, he is doing better in school. It is amazing. What the important thing is here is that your sons mind is racing. Picture yourself being on a merry go round for an hour, this is how he feels, he needs to get off the ride asap. What do you have to loose?