| I do want to warn everyone that a child who is on meds should probably be monitored pretty closely his/her first year. THere are so many temptations for kids when they go off to college. Dealing with the freedom, independence, responsibility is a lot for many, and with "everyone" happily imbibing, it is very difficult to say "no". In my experience, many of the kids who are on ADD meds sell or share their stash to others. Yeah, I know, you don't think yours will do it, but I know many very nice, terrific, responsible kids who have gone down that path. In doing this, they are not only illegally supplying others with a med that has potentially harmful side effects, they are depriving themselves of their meds. This is an abuse that is rampant, and no parent should consider their kid above it until after the fact. And, yeah, they are technically drug dealers when they start doing this stuff.
Lindz, Vyvanse scares me. That is one that should be monitored carefully, and mixing with drink and other drugs can be a real disaster.
All the meds, supplements, admonishments, etc will not take the place of maturity. If they can strike a good balance during these difficult years, it does get much easier for most of them. These are truly the difficult years for them as their hormones, moods, emotions are in a turmoil as they try to become adults, try to fit in, try to be great, try to be cool, try to be good, try to be bad, try to do well....the list goes on. My heart goes out to each of these students, and to all of us parents as well. |