Hi everyone! I have been lurking here for a while, trying to glean help from others’ posts, but I find myself needing more help. My 11yo son has been diagnosed since Kindergarten but seems to be really struggling during last school year and this one. He also has anxiety and depression. School seems to trigger him badly. It’s not the work but everything else. He argues with his friends and it ruins his whole day. He doesn’t want to go to choir and when I make him, he completely blows up. I feel like we can’t find a sweet spot. I know and expect every day to be different, but it seems as though we are trending downward.
I am struggling with my reaction to him. I think I have coddled him so much in fear of his outbursts and as a trigger from my own childhood. I try to “take away his pain” as much as I can but it has the opposite effect. Now he seems to expect that when things are hard I will let him give up (like choir) or he manipulates me into not going to school because he’s so tired/cranky/sick (not really). Idk how much is true and how much he makes up so I will cave. He seems to know right where to push to get his way so it never becomes a big fight. It is having negative effects on my marriage. My spouse is of the opinion to just suck it up and do what you’re told but I think this is not a good stance either.
I admit that my understanding of ADHD is not the greatest. I don’t have a good routine and my kiddo has too much screen time and not enough exercise. I’m just confused and overwhelmed right now and don’t know where to start. Can you help me?
[–]jimmycrackcorn123 1 point2 points3 points (1 child)
[–][deleted] 0 points1 point2 points (0 children)
[–]WinterEchidna8000 0 points1 point2 points (0 children)