My Best Buddy

My son, Dakota is now 7 yrs old. He is so smart for his age. I recently had a conference with his 1st grade teacher and was surprised to find out that he was having a hard time in school. I guess I was surprised because at home he was perfectly fine. She seems to believe that his problem lies with his inability to pay attention in school. She says it isn't that he is disruptive but that he can't seem to keep his attention on one thing for long at a time.

She also warned me that at some point in time someone may suggest he has ADD, and of course with that diagnosis comes medication. I am absolutely against the medicating of kids. I think it is a moral issue as well as a health risk. Kids need to be kids and when teachers can't deal with them as kids they become easier to be dealt with when medicated. I have seem kids on this medication and they are like zombies, they also lose weight, sleep all the time, have fits of rage, and are likely to have health risks because of this.

My child will not be put on medication for being a kid and that is my final thought on that. Do you know that children have died from heart problems as a result of taking meds. for ADD? It is a fact. I think the school systems need to find another way in dealing with children who do not have an attention span of some others. Do you think TV may have something to do with this? Just a thought. I know kids who sit in front of the TV all the time, never go outside, never work for anything, and they seem to be the most interested in the teacher.

My son never watches TV other than at bedtime or if it's raining or snowing. He is always outside, I cant keep him in, and that is how it should be. They need to be entertained and encouraged to be active not slugs. I know a lot of parents are pushed into feeling medication is the best solution, but I disagree strongly and feel there has to be better solutions out there. This teacher was not saying he should be medicated, simply suggesting that when and if some one says he has this condition to be prepared. Could it not be that he is a healthy 7 yr old child that gets bored with repetitive work??

Seems logical to me guess we will see where this goes but I am concerned for the youth of today, I'll leave my doubts and concerns in God's hands and hope for the best. God bless you and your families.

Vaughn Pascal

To Bub: Grateful that you are a healthy and happy kid, continue being so, I love you Thank You God and Jesus for blessing me with such a smart and healthy, happy child