Adventures in Parenting

Want to hear some opinions on the 10 hot button issues of parenting?

There’s the experts’ opinion in this article 10 Controversial Parenting Tips.

Now here is my take:

#1 co-sleeping

#2 homeschooling

#3 spanking

#4 childhood immunizations

Today’s hot button issue #5 – medicating children

“Medicating young children has become increasingly popular for treating kids with mood and/or behavior problems.”

I am a substitute teacher and occasionally teach RSP (Resource Specialist Program), a form of special ed for mild and moderate learning disabilities.  Some of the students are on medication and I can definitely tell when a child is not on his/her medication when he/she needs to be. I go home with a throbbing headache!

If my child has mood and/or behavior problems, I would go to a doctor who does not believe in medication and see how far we can go with other forms of treatment. Oftentimes, nutritional supplements, diet and exercise, coping skills, a suitable environment, can help.

I believe in medication when a doctor has made a very careful diagnosis. There is a place for medication if it’s what the child ultimately needs. Just don’t be too quick to dish out meds to make life easier. A special needs child requires a lot of patience.

What do you think of medicating children for mood and/or behavior problems?

Next Hot Button issue:  The crying out method – should you let your child cry him/herself to sleep?

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