Hi All,
I'm writing about my 9 yo grandson - Let's call him "Jeff". He has been diagnosed with depression, ADD and possible ODD. He is on prozac and the psychiatric doctor also wants to try adderall. Here's my concern. This kid has been through more stress in his short life than most adults endure. His parents divorce and remarriage (and the ex daughter in law has married a complete jerk who does not want to be a stepparent to her kids but acts like Mr. Wonderful when his kids are around). "Jeff's" dad (my son) being deployed twice (National Guard) and the birth of two half siblings. His mom's marriage is in constant turmoil with either her or her husband walking out and threatening divorce on a regular basis. Also, she let's my grandchilden (there is also a teenage girl) behave one way when the stepdad isn't around but then gets very strict when he is. Is it any wonder that my grandson is acting out? He spends about equal time with his dad but it's pretty stressful there with two little ones and my son's work schedule and daughter in law's schedule. My son wants "Jeff" to live with him full time but the ex-wife is fighting it. (The problems with the ex is a whole other story but I'll just say that I feel she relies too much on her kids for companionship).
Right now "Jeff" is spending his spring break with me and my husband. He is the sweetest kid and never gives us any trouble. I think he just enjoys being here because of the lack of stress.
I'm concerned that Jeff is feels like his is "the problem". He doesn't see a behavioral therapist enough for there to be any help. I hate that "Jeff" is being drugged with prozac. I don't think the psychiatric doctor has the full picture of what "Jeff" has been through. I think if he did, he would realize that there are valid reasons for "Jeff" to be acting out.
I'm sorry if this is a bit rambling. I'm just really scared about what will happen when my grandson hits puberty (and it's not that far away if he is anything like his dad). I want to say something but I worry that I will say the wrong things.
Any advice you can offer will be greatly appreciated. I hope I have explained things so it gives a full picture of what my grandson is going through.
Thanks in advance,
Gma K
I'm writing about my 9 yo grandson - Let's call him "Jeff". He has been diagnosed with depression, ADD and possible ODD. He is on prozac and the psychiatric doctor also wants to try adderall. Here's my concern. This kid has been through more stress in his short life than most adults endure. His parents divorce and remarriage (and the ex daughter in law has married a complete jerk who does not want to be a stepparent to her kids but acts like Mr. Wonderful when his kids are around). "Jeff's" dad (my son) being deployed twice (National Guard) and the birth of two half siblings. His mom's marriage is in constant turmoil with either her or her husband walking out and threatening divorce on a regular basis. Also, she let's my grandchilden (there is also a teenage girl) behave one way when the stepdad isn't around but then gets very strict when he is. Is it any wonder that my grandson is acting out? He spends about equal time with his dad but it's pretty stressful there with two little ones and my son's work schedule and daughter in law's schedule. My son wants "Jeff" to live with him full time but the ex-wife is fighting it. (The problems with the ex is a whole other story but I'll just say that I feel she relies too much on her kids for companionship).
Right now "Jeff" is spending his spring break with me and my husband. He is the sweetest kid and never gives us any trouble. I think he just enjoys being here because of the lack of stress.
I'm concerned that Jeff is feels like his is "the problem". He doesn't see a behavioral therapist enough for there to be any help. I hate that "Jeff" is being drugged with prozac. I don't think the psychiatric doctor has the full picture of what "Jeff" has been through. I think if he did, he would realize that there are valid reasons for "Jeff" to be acting out.
I'm sorry if this is a bit rambling. I'm just really scared about what will happen when my grandson hits puberty (and it's not that far away if he is anything like his dad). I want to say something but I worry that I will say the wrong things.
Any advice you can offer will be greatly appreciated. I hope I have explained things so it gives a full picture of what my grandson is going through.
Thanks in advance,
Gma K