I AM That Rock

[hoosiermama]

I was always too busy doing whatever instead of spending enough time with her.

I read that in a very positive way--as in he recognizes that his behavior (even if he is just limiting it to working, not "extracurricular" activities) has a negative effect on things. I also think it's such a guy thing to discount some of what he hears--hence his reaction to ADD stuff.

Re: talking with your daughter about this. I remember doing this with my D12 when she was 9 or 10 and diagnosed with a learning disability (which has since settled into a much milder form). I think just sticking with what she needs to know--why the meds, that sort of thing. Especially since some things are still up in the air. With D12, I told her not that she had an LD, but that we all learn in different ways, and we're all working on learning how she learns math. With the meds, maybe explain that they're just a tool or a helper so that she can control her emotions (well, as much as anyone can control their emotions!) instead of them controlling her. There are soooooo many kids on ADD meds these days, I don't think the stigma is as great as it once was. And I've certainly seen them do wonders--the kids at my school are a very at-risk population, with parents who are far less involved than you. And they are much better able to focus in class, less anxious because their emotions aren't quite so overwhelming, and generally just happier kids.

I'm sorry that you got this list of diagnoses. But if you're like me, it's helpful to at least have a name for it so that you can attach a solution; it's empowering once you get over the initial shock. But let me also tell you that my D's situation ended up being much less serious than we thought. Their little brains are still growing and rewiring, and God is in those details for sure!