Thursday, October 6, 2011
I See Light At The End Of The Tunnel
Thank you all for your support, prayers and listening ears. I am happy to update you all that my oldest is making leaps and bounds in the school and homework area. He is getting his homework done on a daily basis, learning to take more responsibility in the planning of weekend homework and is bringing his grades up slowly but surely.
We have been trying a brand new to me idea lately that seems to be helping tremendously. I gave my almost 11 year old his first cup of coffee right after school and before he started his homework. I added the same amount of coffee and milk to a coffee cup then sweetened it with sugar. He able to concentrate on his homework he finished all of it by 5:00. This may not seem like a big deal to some but he has been finishing up sometimes as late as 9:00. Not only was he able to concentrate on the homework in front of him, he was able to hold a conversation with me while still looking up the answers - something I have never seen him able to do.
I decided to give this a try after seeing this article: Mom Gives 7 Year Old Coffee Daily TO Treat ADHD.
After really thinking through the pros and cons, I decided to give it a try. My kids don't have a lot of caffeine...in fact the only time they are allowed to have pop is sometimes when we dine out. They are allowed to order Sprite or Rootbeer sometimes. At home they drink milk or water. So making the leap to giving coffee to my child was not taken lightly, but thought out, discussed and worried over.
I want to stress that while it seemed like a logical step for our family to take and is working, I am in no way saying this is a cure all for ADHD. In our case, there didn't seem to be any side effects other than completed homework and a little boy who finally got the chance to go outside and play in a timely fashion after school.
In addition to the coffee, we have been holding him accountable for the work that is completed in class. On Friday's he always has the least amount of homework for the week. Since this coincides with the afternoon that he is allowed to go to his Grandma's, we had a talk with him about putting just as much effort into his classwork everyday. I couldn't believe it but this worked. For the last couple of days he has been coming home with just 15-20 problems instead of 3 to 4 pages worth.
Do you struggle with getting your children on task in the homework arena?
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Haven't quite had to go there yet - Hannah's only "homework" is that we have to read to her every day, which we were doing already. But I have never heard of the coffee strategy in dealing with ADHD - very interesting. And I'm thrilled that it worked for you - keep us posted if it continues to seem to help!
ReplyDeleteThat is fantastic about the homework! We're not to this age yet, so its nice to know what I may have to look forward too! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic!!! I have heard of moms giving a bit of coffee to their kids to help them get through homework! Good for you for taking initiative. A little bit of coffee right after school won't do him harm and it's MUCH better for him than all those pills! which by the way, are 'uppers' and most contain caffeine. XO
ReplyDeleteMy 12 yo asked me if he could try coffee the other day. Maybe it will help him as well since his meds are worn off by the time he gets home. I've been drinking coffee and notice it's made a difference, too.
ReplyDelete~Mimi
What a great looking kid. Glad the coffee seems to be having an effect.
ReplyDelete