Struggling with an Emotional Child

Where to start? We always knew something was different about our son, Lincoln. From a very early age he was MORE - more sensitive, more energetic, more dramatic, more everything. We had him tested for autism, but that wasn't it. He started school at age 5 and had a great year in kindergarten. His teacher was the perfect fit. But at home he continued to be incredibly frustrating to his dad and me. He would not listen. He would throw tantrums like a two year old. He would push and push and push us for everything he wanted. Sometimes we were strong and other times we were weak. I was a pushover and my hubby was a typical cop (aka hard ass). Over the years we have both moved to the middle.

Fast forward to Lincoln's first grade year. It was horrible. His teacher was abrasive and rude and managed to ruin his love of school within the first 9 weeks. We had meeting after meeting and not much changed. We pulled him out of that school and enrolled him in a private church school. His teacher was a sweetheart who loved on him and made him feel special. Something to note - Lincoln is BRILLIANT. I'm not just a proud mama here folks. He is off the charts brilliant in reading, writing, and art. Course having an English teacher for a mom doesn't hurt. However, Lincoln continued to struggle with his issues - pulling his shirt up under his neck over 100 times a day, twisting his hair, constantly sucking his upper lip, having fits about his clothes not fitting right (socks with seams are the worst for him). Poor guy! He also struggled with making friends. He didn't make a single friend at the new school.

So in the spring we filled out all the forms and so did his teacher. He was diagnosed with ADHD and started Ritalin. It helped him focus at school, but he still had all the issues. In early July we took him to the developmental pediatrician who diagnosed him with a sensory processing/integration disorder and anxiety. He also started him on a medication called Intuniv for his anxiety and ADHD. It supposedly takes 6-8 weeks to kick in. We have not seen any effects yet. The doctor had a great way of explaining the sensory issues. He said that it's like Lincoln has his nerves hanging on the OUTSIDE of his body and that everything around him bothers him. He is not trying to be disobedient (some of the time), it is simply his disorder. Of course I still believe in 100% tough parenting. Remember I said he is wicked smart. He is great at manipulating the situation and blaming everything on the disorder.

We have read so many books trying to help Lincoln - The Strong Willed Child and Raising Your Spirited Child were two that really struck us as 100% right on when describing Lincoln. Anyone out there have any other good suggestions? I'd love to hear them.

Therapy - Lincoln and I are both in therapy. Hoping that will help. We've only been twice, so let's keep our fingers crossed.

My Juicing Journey

Hey folks! I haven't touched this blog since 2008. Guess you could say I've been a little busy. I've started a new blog about my juicing and new healthy eating plan (DIET is a 4 letter word!)...so come on over to http://devonsjuicingjourney.blogspot.com