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DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN....
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Lotus Feet 
The Paraclete, defender of human rights
User ID: 433953
9/25/2008 4:23 AM
Report abusive post | DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN....
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A teacher's plea: What badly behaved boys need is discipline, not drugs
By FRANCES CHILDS
Last updated at 7:49 AM on 25th September 2008
Comments (0) Add to My Stories
Ill or ill-disciplined?: Too many children are being diagnosed with ADHD when they are simply naughty
The class was working peacefully. It was the first lesson of the morning and everyone was a little bleary-eyed.
Joe Smith, I notice was doodling on a text book. 'Come on Joe. That's enough of that. Get on with your work please.'
I was new to teaching and trying to be firm but fair. The next minute, Joe grabbed his neighbour's pencil case and threw it across the floor. When I remonstrated him he told me to 'f*** off'.
At the end of the lesson I asked him to stay behind. Demanding an apology, I told him I'd be phoning home as well as reporting his behaviour to the head.
Joe simply shrugged. 'It's not my fault. I'm ill. I've got ADHD. I can't help it.'
This was the first time I'd heard of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and I actually laughed. Appalling behaviour an illness? I'd never heard anything so ludicrous.
Sadly, however, it certainly wasn't the last I'd hear of it. This mysterious ailment made a sudden and dramatic appearance among British and American schoolchildren in the early 1990s. Before that, it was practically unheard of.
On the Continent, you'd still struggle to get a doctor to agree that a child who ran riot in the classroom, shouted and swore at staff, was anything other than extremely badly behaved.
But in the UK, youngsters like David, a 14-year-old I teach, who last week kicked a chair across the classroom because he was enraged that I'd asked him to stop texting during an exam, are now routinely labelled as having a psychiatric disorder.
David and thousands of badly behaved children like him are deemed to have ADHD and are medicated accordingly.
During the decade I've been teaching, the number of children prescribed the amphetamine Ritalin, used to 'treat' ADHD, has simply exploded. It is estimated that 400,000 children are currently prescribed the drug.
In 1991, the number of prescriptions issued was a mere 2,000. When I first started teaching I'd never heard of Ritalin or ADHD.
Now, I can honestly say I don't think there's a single class I teach without at least one and often two or three children being medicated with this very powerful class B drug.
Ritalin has unpleasant side effects - including sleeplessness and nausea - and the penalty for selling it illegally is a maximum of 14 years' imprisonment.
Recent research has linked it to depression, stunted growth, heart problems, insomnia and weight gain and, according to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, 11 British children on Ritalin have died.
[link to www.dailymail.co.uk]
People are not a commodity, without love they become so. Parents are the guardians of the soul, a precious gem born to shine. It is the guardian’s responsibility to ensure that gem is not reshaped, but allowed to BE its natural state. Children are the supreme joy of human life’ "God's will is compelled by love into compassionate action to save." "Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God."
In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. Psa 41:12 "The LORD within her is righteous; he does no wrong. Morning by morning he dispenses his justice, and every new day he does not fail, yet the unrighteous know no shame." Zephaniah 3:4-6 |
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GDW
User ID: 510341
9/25/2008 4:24 AM | | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
Important message. |
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Reece2076
The Voice of REASON
User ID: 508343
9/25/2008 4:26 AM
 | | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
wow there's something that me and lotus agree with.
As Above, So Below |
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GDW
User ID: 510341
9/25/2008 4:27 AM | | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
Girls and boys need hugs, not drugs. |
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Joe Cix Pack
User ID: 505063
9/25/2008 4:27 AM | | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
wow there's something that me and lotus agree with. Quoting: Reece2076
see me in person |
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GDW
User ID: 510341
9/25/2008 4:28 AM | | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
Kids need two parents, not two cars. |
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Lotus Feet
The Paraclete, defender of human rights
User ID: 433953
9/25/2008 4:29 AM
| | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
Girls and boys need hugs, not drugs. Quoting: GDW 510341
Yes, bless them. Children are only as good as their parents and you can never give children too much love.
Hello Stevie we only see you when it is time for you to have a hug.
Lotus
People are not a commodity, without love they become so. Parents are the guardians of the soul, a precious gem born to shine. It is the guardian’s responsibility to ensure that gem is not reshaped, but allowed to BE its natural state. Children are the supreme joy of human life’ "God's will is compelled by love into compassionate action to save." "Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God."
In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. Psa 41:12 "The LORD within her is righteous; he does no wrong. Morning by morning he dispenses his justice, and every new day he does not fail, yet the unrighteous know no shame." Zephaniah 3:4-6 |
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 500144
9/25/2008 4:30 AM | | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
This is why they banned the cane, strap and such.
Lets create a disease that can make us millions.
Enter ADD.
Millions for the pharmecuticals. Pain for the parents and teachers |
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GDW
User ID: 510341
9/25/2008 4:34 AM | | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
Parents do very little teaching...I would say around 1-5%...the rest is learnt from observation. So I would say that 95% plus of what kids learn from their parents comes from example.
If you're an idiot...no matter how good of school you send your kids to...your kids are destined to be an idiot. By the time the kids get to school, I'd say they've experienced the lion's share of their total development. |
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GDW
User ID: 510341
9/25/2008 4:38 AM | | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
The thing with parenting is that it stress' so many parents out. Parenting should be the easiest thing in the world because they were never going to get anyone else except you. Just plain ol' you. If you and your child are not having fun...then you're not being true to yourself. If people worried less about being the parent they're supposed to be and instead were themselves...they would have much more fun.
Parenting; warts and all...no pretending. Kids can sniff it out from a mile away, so why bother. |
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 501646
9/25/2008 4:43 AM | | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
yes we should bring back paddling
beat them lil fucks! |
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 501646
9/25/2008 4:45 AM | | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
ADD is a real problem, but is being mis diagnosed nowadays
only some 1.5% of the population truly suffer from ADD/ADHD
there are lots of treatment options outside of meds aswell
I should know I have been suffering from ADD since the early 80's. Using natural remedies as an adult, I have overcome it mostly. |
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 505616
9/25/2008 4:46 AM | | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
Guys, you should try having ADHD. I always was the kid who had problems conforming. I never was nasty, but I could never sit still. Always the constant disapproval. Why can't you do your homework? Why can't you remember anything? All I felt was that i was the worst person on the planet. No one was worth less than me. And no I didn't feel sorry for myself because I felt that i deserved it.
The story was the same when I grew up. Couldn't keep a job. Couldn't study. Even though I tried as hard as I could, it always failed. They put me on disability. Soon enough, the illegal drugs came into the picture. Cannabis, mushrooms, you get the picture. I almost lost the love of my life because of all this. (Not mainly due to the drugs though, which is weird..)
Now finally, when I'm approaching 30 they prescribed me that ADHD-medicine-stuff. I think it's some kind of amphetamine. Initially I didn't like the idea of another drug when I've managed to get rid of the others, but it's really turned my life around. I'm not done with the disability yet but as my ability to concentrate has really skyrocketed I'm beginning to be a part of society again. I no longer feel like I'm worthless. Word cannot describe how grateful I am.
My only regret is that my country wasn't so conservative when it came to drugs back when I got my ADHD diagnosis. I've wasted at least 10 years of my life, just because they had this idea of not prescribing "narcotics" to kids.
And no this is not some pharm-company-endorsement. Check out my other posts here, if you feel paranoid.
I'm not saying all disruptive kids should get this kind of meds, but discipline won't work when it comes to kids with ADHD. I'm a testiment of that. |
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 507331
9/25/2008 4:50 AM | | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
I would rather scratch my eyeballs out then give my children drugs. |
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GDW
User ID: 510341
9/25/2008 4:50 AM | | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
yes we should bring back paddling
beat them lil fucks! Quoting: Anonymous Coward 501646
If you hit your child, you should not be surprised when they hit someone in the playground.
My only goal with my child is consistency. We're coming on 3 now and she's never been paddywhacked with anything, not even a hand. |
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GDW
User ID: 510341
9/25/2008 4:51 AM | | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
I would rather scratch my eyeballs out then give my children drugs. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 507331
Yes I agree...not on my watch. |
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 501646
9/25/2008 4:54 AM | | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
Guys, you should try having ADHD. I always was the kid who had problems conforming. I never was nasty, but I could never sit still. Always the constant disapproval. Why can't you do your homework? Why can't you remember anything? All I felt was that i was the worst person on the planet. No one was worth less than me. And no I didn't feel sorry for myself because I felt that i deserved it.
The story was the same when I grew up. Couldn't keep a job. Couldn't study. Even though I tried as hard as I could, it always failed. They put me on disability. Soon enough, the illegal drugs came into the picture. Cannabis, mushrooms, you get the picture. I almost lost the love of my life because of all this. (Not mainly due to the drugs though, which is weird..)
Now finally, when I'm approaching 30 they prescribed me that ADHD-medicine-stuff. I think it's some kind of amphetamine. Initially I didn't like the idea of another drug when I've managed to get rid of the others, but it's really turned my life around. I'm not done with the disability yet but as my ability to concentrate has really skyrocketed I'm beginning to be a part of society again. I no longer feel like I'm worthless. Word cannot describe how grateful I am.
My only regret is that my country wasn't so conservative when it came to drugs back when I got my ADHD diagnosis. I've wasted at least 10 years of my life, just because they had this idea of not prescribing "narcotics" to kids.
And no this is not some pharm-company-endorsement. Check out my other posts here, if you feel paranoid.
I'm not saying all disruptive kids should get this kind of meds, but discipline won't work when it comes to kids with ADHD. I'm a testiment of that. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 505616
congrats
just be sure you keep it at a low dose, as an adult you shouldnt need much. |
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 505616
9/25/2008 4:54 AM | | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
And oh, you guys are aware of that discipline without compassion and violence against ADHD kids is the leading cause of antisocial behaviour in the world, right?
(Oppositional defiant disorder is the first step och Antisocial disorder.. Google it if you don't believe me..) |
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GDW
User ID: 510341
9/25/2008 4:57 AM | | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
And oh, you guys are aware of that discipline without compassion and violence against ADHD kids is the leading cause of antisocial behaviour in the world, right?
(Oppositional defiant disorder is the first step och Antisocial disorder.. Google it if you don't believe me..) Quoting: Anonymous Coward 505616
That's way too many disorders for me.
I think alot of disorders are just pissed off kids with lame parents.
Each day you treat your kid like shit...they get more pissed off...if you want to call it a disorder go ahead...but it's just a matter of priorities really. |
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 505616
9/25/2008 5:04 AM | | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
These disorders weren't named out of thin air. These psychiatric diagnoses are the result of HUGE and SERIOUS investigations. Behavioural experts have for a long time wanted to understand what creates psychopaths, and this is a very important step in this process.
Do your child and the world a favour, get your facts straight instead of just dismissing stuff like this out of ignorance.
Let me guess, you're an american?
That's way too many disorders for me.
I think alot of disorders are just pissed off kids with lame parents.
Each day you treat your kid like shit...they get more pissed off...if you want to call it a disorder go ahead...but it's just a matter of priorities really. Quoting: GDW 510341 |
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GDW
User ID: 510341
9/25/2008 5:09 AM | | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
These disorders weren't named out of thin air. These psychiatric diagnoses are the result of HUGE and SERIOUS investigations. Behavioural experts have for a long time wanted to understand what creates psychopaths, and this is a very important step in this process.
Do your child and the world a favour, get your facts straight instead of just dismissing stuff like this out of ignorance.
Let me guess, you're an american?
That's way too many disorders for me.
I think alot of disorders are just pissed off kids with lame parents.
Each day you treat your kid like shit...they get more pissed off...if you want to call it a disorder go ahead...but it's just a matter of priorities really. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 505616
I plan to stay ignorant of child psychology for my whole parenting life. |
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Victor Seseheben
User ID: 413049
9/25/2008 5:12 AM | | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
Is this like beating a dog until it does what you want? I wouldn't beat an animal or a kid. |
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 433953 (OP)
9/25/2008 6:34 AM | | Re: DISCIPLINE NOT DRUGS FOR CHILDREN.... | Quote |
There is no scientific evidence for ADHD or ADD. |
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