So sorry you are having these issues. My son is 14 as well and off his meds for the summer. He is physically mature, deep voice, tall, puberty stuff. He is the younger brother and my older son, at nearly 16, is so good with him. Maybe having a younger sibling makes it harder for your son to be mature. Over the past year, he has really grown up a lot. He is far from perfect, but definitely better than he was. Hang in there! It just takes more time for some kids than others.

My son is 15 and is immature as well. I see him mature more and more each year but he is probably 2-3 years behind the average 15 yr old. Like hotmom1 said, it takes some kids longer to get there. My son also has a problem letting things go and I am not sure that will ever go away, I think it's just a part of his personality and I accept that, but I too will try to talk to him about how that could hurt him at times.

i cant thank you both enough for your responses. as mothers of children who have a huge problem "getting it" it helps so much. we worry for them. we want them to take the easy way, but they seem to keep choosing the hard way. it is so hard. but yes i think having a younger boy who tries to get him in trouble doesnt help. but i appreciate you both for your support. it opens up so much hope

Glad to help. When my son was first diagnosed at age 5, the pediatrician told me that these kids are about 4 to 5 years behind in emotional maturity. I have always kept that in mind and it helps to know that this is "normal" She herself has 2 children with ADHD and she told me that her 16 year old seems to be outgrowing it but her 14 year old is extremely immature. Hang in there!

My son in going on 11 (ADHD & Mood Disorder) and yes we see the lack of maturity in so many things he does. We don't choose to take him off his meds, to much of a rollercoaster and we don't feel it's fair to him to keep the same expectations without the help the meds give him on his impulse control. We try to have him look to "role models" on his behavior, sometimes he seems to get it but never lasts...here's to hoping they will catch up eventually.

Why do so many of you take your kids off the meds over the summer? Are the issues just with the "school day"? Just interested on other parents thoughts...

Thank you all for this information. I have a friend who is going through the same thing. I think she will feel better when I tell her what your posts have said.

We take our son off meds over the weekends and holidays because he has no appetite when he is on them. His weight gets very low and we fight hard to keep him from losing too much. Also, we give him the choice and he prefers no meds. They are really to help him with his focus at school, as we can tolerate his behaviour at home. As I said, he is really improving as he gets older. This also gives us a chance to witness how he is without meds. We are hopeful that he won't need them forever.

Kendra: taking them off meds during the summer helps with two major issues.

1) without the meds, they learn coping skills. Its harder on the family during this stage, but VERY VERY necessary.

2) Coming off the meds during the summer helps with overall health and nutrition especially nutrition for brain health. The more nutrient dense foods throughout the day is very very important!

My best to you, Faithfully

thank you all. so so helpful. i really try to figure out how i can help him get it. not fight with his little brother, not overreact , etc. im starting to realize he just has to grow. I agree with taking him off meds unless he is in school. he has to learn how to cope and although he does eat well on the meds, he definitly eats more without them. plus so many more reasons. so 16 seems to be the outgrowing number. Ill pray my heart out for that one. thank you all so much.