In the past three days, since my four-year-old changed classes in his daycare twice in two weeks, he's been getting in trouble for not minding the teacher and just generally being difficult. So they moved him back to the three-year-old room when the afternoon teacher was having trouble with him. When I called to complain about him being sent BACK to the younger class, the woman I spoke to in the office (not the teacher, she had already left) suggested "maybe it's his ADHD....."
He's never been diagnosed with ADHD, and he's never had discipline problems other than the occasional time-out, in any of his classes, or at home. And he minds the morning teacher.
I think the problem stems from him not handling change well (never has) and being shuffled from class to class in a very short time, and every move makes it worse.
Even if he's never shown signs of it before, and it's been only three days, is it something that can be brought on by circumstances, or just naturally?
2007-08-22 18:32:12 · 8 answers · asked by CrazyChick 7 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Thanks everyone. We had a conference with the morning teacher (he behaves pretty well for), two former teachers (who were more than happy to testify that with a few exceptions, usually around major changes, he never had behavioral issues) and the office worker I spoke with. All three teachers said they think that afternoon teacher is possibly in over her head, and that even if he DID have ADHD, part of the package of working with children is to deal with that and provide them an education as well. They also pointed out that ALL of the kids are acting unusual right now, because of the change of class and routine, by being moody, regressing in potty-training, or acting out.
Long story not so short, they're going to call me if there are more issues, and that teacher is NOT to single him out and hold him back like that again.
2007-08-23 04:12:43 · update #1
No, ADHD can not in any way be brought on by changing conditions in anyone's life. It's a genetic disorder, not a behavioral one.
In any case, your kid doesn't have ADHD. ADHD is commonly used as a scapegoat diagnosis when a child misbehaves because it's something that's easy to explain, almost impossible to account for, suggestive that it's not really anyone's fault, and easily treated. That is undoubtedly what is going on now. Your kid's teacher doesn't want to deal with a kid who's stressed out by having to change classes, and is blaming it on ADHD. Personally, I don't think much of them for saying that. It's *normal* to feel stress and act differently when confronted in a change in environment.
If you want to really have your kid tested for ADHD, that's fine, and maybe he even has it. But from your testimony it sounds like he doesn't. In any case, I would want to get a lot more of a professional opinion than a teacher who's probably too stressed out from her own job to make sound judgements about the behavior of others.
2007-08-22 18:45:16 · answer #1 · answered by Isis-sama 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, ADHD is a real chemical difference in the brain and cannot be brought about like that. Your child is having some behavior difficulties and these likely begin with environment and relationship issues at the preschool. That teacher is not a doctor and CANNOT diagnose ADHD and really has NO place even mentioning it. She could refer you to your doctor, but too many preschool teachers jump from behavior difficulties to ADHD. Your child needs to be taught how to behave and not only punished for making mistakes at school. Talk to the teacher and director about what and how social skills are taught at the school. Punishment alone is not enough for many children.
2007-08-22 20:09:32 · answer #2 · answered by prekinpdx 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That woman you spoke to is an idiot. Not only does she not have any right or business to diagnose your son with anything, but she is wrong! Your son is a typical four year old who is having trouble transitioning to a new class, which is VERY VERY normal. That is ridiculous they sent him back to his old class after only three days. Kids take time to settle into a new routine/situation. They should have given it at least two weeks or so and then called you in to discuss any remaining issues.
I'd demand he be put back in the class he belongs, and given an appropriate amount of time to adjust. Good luck!!
2007-08-23 01:04:00 · answer #3 · answered by Mom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He minds the morning teacher you say. Change can be difficult to handle for anyone, but children especially, as they have not yet learned to cope with internal and external stressors.
Normally, ADHD is not a sudden onset disorder, however, head trauma and certain chemicals (such as lead) can cause ADHD or ADHD-like symptoms.
2007-08-22 21:45:55 · answer #4 · answered by God 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No ADHD will not present itself like that just because his class changed. He is just not sure anymore and feels out of control being moved around so much. Children have to have structure and will act out when their routine is messed with.
2007-08-22 18:39:40 · answer #5 · answered by momof3boys 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am not an expert so will leave answers to others - or your doctor preferably.
But what I shall say is - I would *never* have allowed my boys to be labelled with something by a non-medical expert and I find the overdiagnosis of "ADHD" - admitted by many now - to be very disturbing especially when it goes hand in hand with "medicating" (drugging) very young children.
That's all that I will say - go with your instinct about *your* child and,if truly concerned,seek *expert* advice *outside* of the school system - your son's doctor for a start.
Best wishes,
Joan.
2007-08-22 18:57:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
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2016-06-02 08:07:06 · answer #7 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Three year olds do not cope well with change.
ADHD is not something that is sudden onset.
Give him a chance to settle!
2007-08-22 18:52:00 · answer #8 · answered by Tarkarri 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋