[Firedup6975]

Originally Posted by sleepy

My son (now 21 was diagnosed with ADD and ADHD when he was 12). I didn't take him in my EX did that. I don't believe it for a second. It is my opinion that doctors and parents are looking for an excuse for bad behavior. It's not my fault is all you hear from kids. Discipline Is being replaced with drugs. IMA

"It is my opinion that doctors and parents are looking for an excuse for bad behavior".

BINGO!!!! I am an Administrator of a before and after School program that services Kids ages 5 to 14. I've been doing so for 15 years. I've seen it all!!!!! 9 out of 10 Kids who I have who are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD and some others, are Kids who's lives are so busy, and the Parents generally from seperated or divorced or single parent homes are so wrapped up in their busy lifestyles as well that the Kids act out, and in a big way. They are starved for attention, they are like a sponge and will act out if they see or hear situations between parents in or out of the home, such as arguments, fighting, name calling they often will keep this bottled up inside and feel they are somehow to blame for the Adults problems so they generally resort to un exceptable behaviors as a release. I wouldn't say "bad behavior" they just choose a behavior that they know will get the attention from the Adults in their life. The Meds are nothing more than a cover up, often causing Kids to feel ill, tired, hungry, lathargic, like in a zomby state. It's an easy fix to medicate rather than fix the behaviors with an accepted behavior. Now every instance is different. Yes Kids need a time of adjustment to situations in their lives, however acceptable behavior needs to be reinforced by THE PARENTS!!! Even if it means the PARENTS need to change behaviors as well. JMHO but I see it every single day 5 days a week, and have taken many workshops on this topic. Good luck!