4th grade struggles

Hey there! I'm a mom of an adhd 4th grader as well. He's hypermobile so we've been trying to avoid medication at this point. It didn't work for his older brother. Some things we've noticed that help is exercises for primitive reflexes. What this means is kids usually outgrow reflexes by a certain age. If they retain these, it can cause them to act up and be adhd. I'm probably doing a horrible job explaining it lol but if you look it up online there are lots of free info and exercises you can try. In our case, my son's hypermobility seems to cause it but every kiddo is different. Our physical therapist thought I was crazy until she noticed how much it was helping. We also give him methylated vitamins and omegas. Many kids with adhd have the the gene mutation that makes them need methylated vitamins. Omegas are often missing in our diets and very important for brain health. You may also want to find an optometrist that can test for binocular vision. This can cause adhd struggles also. Although it's NOT cheap

i hope some of these things help! Good luck! And if your kiddo doesn't have any growth challenges like mine or health issues...medicine can be very helpful! I know many parents who say it helps. it just wasn't an option for us. I'm not against it though

Does he have an IEP? If so, he should have accommodations to help him be more successful in school.

@Sara he does have an IEP for math and reading but it is just putting him farther behind I think. He did map testing at his school and he received below average in every subject. The school year just started for us in August and he is already at a D- in every subject and at a N-needs improvement in math and reading.

@Alison we have tried medication in the past and it did not help. His struggle is his attention span and not being able to focus. He also has vocal tics that are very distracting for both himself and others.

@Alison which methylated vitamin brands do you like? I’m intrigued … thx

@maggy I feel ya sister. My son has a 504 and his private school it’s been an actual nightmare. We are on the struggle bus too and he also really dislikes reading and feels simply overwhelmed by school. Plus we have a bully the school is protecting for some reason and it’s been going on and on - finally getting someone to talk to in the district but anyway- you’re not alone. Hugs .

I feel like the school should be more helpful in mapping out a plan. If you have child psychologists in your area, sometimes they can be good advocates for you with the school district. It makes no sense that he is not doing so well academically and the school isn't helping him be more successful. I think tutors are always helpful, although it might influence him more to have some cool high schooler tutor him. Good luck, I know it's tough.

Hey Mama! 4th grade mama here too. Have you tried Nightzookeeper? It’s wonderful it is a fun game like learning tool I use for my daughter. Also tons of math games have helped me with her. She’s homeschooled so I’m always trying games to engage her and make learning fun.

Nightzookeeper is wonderful for reading and language arts.