Old Hammer Boy

Thank you NOS88 for your thoughtful comments. Allow me to clarify.

I have no idea as to the biological basis of ADD/ADHD. As you properly quoted me, I certainly, unlike some others, do believe it does exist. My use of the word "otherwise" has to do with my lack of understanding of its etymology e.g., is its basis a chemical imbalance, genetic, the result of trauma, or ...."otherwise." Perhaps I could have crafted my vocabulary more carefully, and I didn't mean to imply that ADD/ADHD is a concept that has been pulled out of thin air. I hope that clears up any confusion related to that choice of words.

As to my statement, "Now I guess I'm in trouble," I was playing off of Denver's comment: "Man, I'm in trouble now." It seems it can be politically incorrect these days to question almost any established norm, or for that matter, question almost anything. Someone's going to be offended. My implication that a disruptive kid, along with who knows how many other factors, might be acting out because there isn't a father present to set limits, might inflame some. Apparently this could be controversial, and I have received criticism on that point, so I guess it is. But, it's my opinion, and I believe it's defensible.

Again, thanks for your thoughtful response. As I've stated earlier, I'm pleased to see the extra benefits we are all enjoying through cycling. It's a great form of recreation, and I thoroughly enjoy it and the discussions on this forum. I appreciate that you took the time to read my previous response, and I hope my position is clear. I'm pleased to see that you are the recipient of added benefits and hope they continue. Now go ride!!!!

Old Hammer Boy

No doubt. Your point about single moms (absentee dads) rings true with me. While I don't have personal experience being a single parent (thank the good Lord), I do see a lot of it. I own rental property, and many of my tenants over the years have been single moms. My heart goes out to them, and I try to help wherever and whenever I can. I've become somewhat attached to one of the children of a 15 year renter, and have enjoyed teaching him about WWII, even doing a presentation at his school per his request. Being around him for only a few minutes, one can see how much he craves the presence of a masculine adult figure. It's heart wrenching...

Anyway, thanks for your considerate words. Now go ride!!!

roccobike

+1, My son is ADD too. I'm going to ask him to read this thread, good information, thanks.

foehn

Hey, I agree with you. Everyone is different, male and female. I noticed a while back my son was really obnoxious, drumming on stuff, "hyper", non-attentive in class and even had a teacher recommend getting him checked for ADD. I then noticed that when he slept from about 7:30 in the evening to 6 or 7 in the morning, he was just much, much better. He then had a strict bedtime, lotsa sleep.

I personally feel that maybe a certain percentage of kids diagnosed "hyper" just need more dark, more sleep than their peers in school. I hear of so many kids staying up to 10 and 11 at night on school nights--and these aren't the teenagers with the changed bodyclocks, these are little kids in 3rd, 4th and 6th grades.

Alot of boys are more squiggy in the classroom, just because they are boys. And what with sleep deprivation they might be experiencing and lack of exercise, strong regular exercise is it any wonder that so many more boys (and children in general) get so squiggy?

And I agree with the masking effect of the ritalin. Why does everyone have to be crammed into the same mold. What are we losing when we shove so, so many kids onto serious drug therapy, for someting that perhaps might be better addressed by other methods?

Cyclist0094

I got a ADD kid also, They are a challenge but worth the effort!

When my son was in elementary we were told he needed Ritalin to control his hyperactivity, so like sheep we went along and the kid turned into a zombie. We woke up, said "f" this and took him off Ritalin. Then we had to fight the school district for the next 11 years.

Fast forward to High School he was doing fair,flunking Gym,his class work was a C, but his tests were in the top 1% in reading and math, Guidance told him in 10th grade to forget going to college, there was no way he could get in. He was devastated and ready to quit school. I took a day and drove him to a well regarded local 4 year college to show him there is life beyond high school . We walked around and he talked with the admissions people.

They suggested he take a college course in place of an elective in High School. My wife then fought with the high school to allow him to take a college course. Finally they relented when his psychologist met with them and told them the kid will surprise them.

That fall( junior year) he takes a Philosophy intro and aces it. His term paper gets him a recommendation to attend Harvard Summer school. Harvard accepts him but also requires a recommendation from his High School, Guidance says no way, we finally did an end run around them and convinced an assistant principle to write a recommendation.

So he goes to Harvard for the summer, gets A's there and 8 more college credits. That fall he is riding high, The teachers who use to throw him out of thier classrooms are now lining up to write letters of recomendation, offering to help with essays and are suggesting colleges. he gets a 1280 on the SAT. Guidance is still telling him he won't get into a 4 year college.

He applied to several colleges, he didn't get into his top 3 choices( Harvard, Williams, UChicago) but #4 is one of the top 30 colleges. He is near the end of his freshman year at college and doing great!

Digital Gee

That is a GREAT story; I need to show it to my 17 year old daughter. Thanks for posting!!