Attention problems?

Have you ever dealt with a child with attention problems? Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

One of my best friends is struggling with her son being diagnosed with this (Along For the Ride) and I know of many others. My brother-in-law, my father-in-law, my nephews...

It is hard to think that a child just simply can't control themselves, but that is what it is like for them...for some kids, it's like they have ants in their pants...or brains...and just can't stop doing whatever it is that they are doing (talking, squirming, bouncing) and others pull away from crowds or can't concentrate on anything that is not "stimulating" (television, video games). Some kids, even if it is stimulating, can't concentrate on anything for more than a few minutes either. It's easy to say that they just were never made to, or that they don't want to, but it's literally because they CAN'T. They don't know how. With the right kinds of counseling and possibly medication though, it can be controlled and the child can learn to control themselves.

Did you know that ADD and ADHD are three times more likely to be diagnosed in boys than in girls?!?

Did you know that the symptoms are different between boys and girls?  Girls tend to be more forgetful and disorganized rather than hyper or too busy, but ADD and ADHD come in all kinds of forms.

Being a parent, you never expect that YOUR child could be suffering from something like this, but it is definitely possible...Pay attention, see if your child needs help...you don't want them to be the kid at school that never pays attention, gets bad grades, or is always in trouble...help them.

If you have dealt with this and have any words of encouragement for my friend, please leave her some loving words on her blog. Thank you!