And so it begins...

I am completely new to the adventure of blogging. I guess it can be theraputic. A friend suggested I start blogging to help relieve the everyday stress of having a child with ADHD and Tourettes Syndrome or as the doctors like to call it a "Tick Disorder." For some reason they don't like to call it tourettes because it labels the person that has it.
Emma was diagnosed with ADHD when she was 7 years old. Of course I knew she had it by the time she was 3. It took 4 years before anyone would believe me. I can't really blame them. When she was 3 we found out that Em was deaf in her left ear. The doctors attributed her hyperness and lack of focus and control on that. I forgive them.
Those of you who have a child with ADHD understand the daily struggle of actually getting them to cooperate in the morning BEFORE the meds. kick in. She really does try to listen and focus but it is so difficult for her. Of course then I turn into a "grumpasaurus" as Em puts it. I can't believe that we actually get out of the house on time in the mornings. Bribery can work wonders. Donuts are a great bribe. Yes, I do resort to bribery some mornings. Other mornings I pray like crazy!
Em is in 6th grade and through the grace of God is doing very well in school. She loves it. She is actually in the highest math class and gets to skip 7th grade math next year and go straight into pre-algebra. That's pretty cool. I worry about her going to junior high next year. She is really excited about it but I just hope she isn't overwhelmed by it all.
I work at River Hills School which is a school for severe and profound mentally/physically handicapped children and young adults. I work with kids that can range in age from 13-21. I love my job and the kids too.
I think I'll quit for tonight. :)