ADHD / ADD Support Group

I am feeling very low. My four year old is out of control. He refuses to ever play with any of his toys, he wants constant attention, he often refuses to do what he's told and always refuses to stop doing what he's told not to do. He can rarely entertain himself without breaking or ruining something, and if I lost the power to my TV I would shoot myself because it's the only way to get two minutes of peace.

I wonder if I'm doing something wrong. We adopted him through foster care three years ago. We've had him since he was four months old. We've known he would have issues since he was six month old. I wanted a child SO badly. I am dissapointed and frustrated that the ONE thing I wanted to focus my whole life on turned out to be so difficult. I have been thinking I would like to adopt another child, but I am scared on so many levels.

I've read so many books and attended parenting classes and nothing is making a difference. I have changed my methods, my attitude, my schedule, all in the hopes that I could gain control of the situation. I am emotionally exhausted at this point, and can hardly bear the thought of carrying on for fourteen more years. Does that mean we should medicate my sweet little boy, or is there something else we can do?

Also, if we medicate, will I lose his fun-loving, teasing, sweet, thougtful pieces? What is the cost to him emotionally? I love him so much, I really don't want to do anything to lower his self esteem or change his personality. I just can't deal with what's going on right now. It would be really nice to talk to someone who is going through this too.
Posted on 11/08/09, 06:11 pm