I’m going to change it up here for a second and talk about parenting naturally and – yes – how it can be done. I’m going to talk about how he is proof of that.

At 7, our son was diagnosed with ADHD which, unfortunately, is not uncommon anymore. However, even just 7 years ago, the viable options for him to work through this diagnosis were limited. Basically we were told “Medicate”. Which we did, I’ll be honest. We did because his pediatrician and teachers all said that it would help, that his quality of life would be better and he would finally start to succeed, academically and socially.

It didn’t work. We went through 4 different medications all with horrendous side effects. Rapid weight loss, not sleeping, night terrors, hallucinations, severe anger and guess what? Not one of them helped his grades or his social skills. Zero.

If you have a child that has ADHD, ADD, ODD, special needs, etc, you understand how heartbreaking it is to see them struggle. And maybe, you’ve tried medication and it’s worked very well for you. That’s awesome! This is not an anti-medication write up. If you find something that works for you child, do not deny them that help. What I write about is just another viable option for parents that aren’t seeking prescription medications or that have tried them and had results like we did. I always say, you do you. It’s your path – I’ll just tell what worked for us. Maybe your journey contains a combination of natural solutions along with prescription ones. That is an option. You don’t have to pick sides. You have to help parent your child in the best way possible.

I’ll be doing a 3 part series beginning this week on the top resources that helped us and our son work into his diagnosis. I say work into because ADHD doesn’t go away, but the more one realizes the incredible talents and gifts that come with it, the easier it is to use it as an advantage for the rest of their lives.

If you’re a parent who is struggling to find options for your child, I get it. I’ve been there. Follow the blog to get updates when each series posts or join in on Facebook at Uncouth Herbalista & Friends.