by Valerie Kelly

Created on: April 26, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

As a grandmother of a boy that was diagnosed with ADHD last year my feeling is that I have some authority to talk on this very controversial subject.

I'm strongly convinced that in most cases prescribing medicines to an otherwise healthy child is not the right route to take.

A baby isn't born with ADHD. Yes he will have inherited certain personality traits, some that will stretch his new parents to the end of their tether, but big personalities that will later probably play a major role on the stage of life will always test us to the limit.

I'm not referring here to the very small minority that due to underlying causes do need medical help. That is another issue entirely and must be addressed in a different way.

I'd like to ask you to take a few minutes to consider how bewildering today's world must be to a young and impressionable mind. Before he even takes his first steps the chances are that because mum and dad both have to work he will be handed over to the care of a child minder. Those first all important years will be more than likely a feverish helter skelter of rushing from pillar to post with little or no time for what is really important for junior.

That may sound harsh and I don't want anyone to start going on a guilt trip - I have nothing but sympathy and admiration for young families trying to do their best in this increasingly difficult materialistic world.

The majority of children diagnosed with ADHD are going to be those that have been born with a naturally hyper personality. Of this I have no doubt - what happens next is the interaction of this type of child with his environment.

Children need guidance, encouragement and good role models. They will soon be less than impressed if your saying one thing and doing another. Unfortunately because the majority of families have lost their way in this Godless wasteland that we have created, their offspring are suffering the consequences.

None of us are exempt from modern day ailments however, myself included. All my five grandsons have varied personalities which I have watched develop from tiny babies. All so different and all wonderful in their own separate ways. I love them all equally but can't help but see the ones that will probably find the path of life very difficult.

The twelve year old that is causing mayhem all around him and has his teachers reaching for the whiskey bottle has recently acquired his ADHD label [ How that rubs me up the wrong way! ] - let me tell you a bit about him.

Youngest of three brothers he is forever trying to emulate the other two who are much older. From the moment he was born he was on a loser with the horseplay that went on, I think they even stapled him to the wall when he was three or four. He has a huge personality, loves Queen and will give you a hearty rendition of all their songs at the drop of a hat. Extremely gobby, he never stops talking - lovable and irritating in the extreme - in fact I would say one of life's performers and a carbon copy of his father. I don't think anyone has slapped an ADHD label on him, I'd like to see them try!

In conclusion don't let the powers that be extinguish your own Godgiven common sense. The odds are that your little monster will probably turn out pretty O.K. especially if you give him your time - your praise and ultimately your love.

Learn more about this author, Valerie Kelly.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.