homeschooling & childcare with LD

: Hello, O.K. Don't think I am crazy! I homeschool my two oldest
: children. My son is 11 and probably ADD although he has never been
: diagnosed. My husband doesn't believe in it and I don't want him
: labeled. Anyway, we needed some extra money so I started
: babysitting. After I agreed to take these two young boys the
: parents informed me that he was ODD. I thought O.K. we'll try it.
: The 5 year old boy who is ODD is a handful, but my son had been
: worse at his age. The problem is, alot of the behavior problems
: that had toned down with my 11 yr old when I took him out of
: school have resurfaced, only bigger! The 5yr old has ritalin, but
: he only takes it when his behavior is out of control. And so far,
: I haven't felt his behavior is all that bad. But whenever the two
: of them are in the same room, all heck breaks loose. I have no
: problem telling the parents it's not going to work, but I thought
: I'd look for some solutions first if there are any...Any
: Suggestions??? Thanks, Janette DYou first mentioned that you thought your son was ADD. This is often diagnosed inappropriatly by parents and teachers, if you think that your son has a problem I think you and your husband should consider having him tested. From what I have studied ADD does not go away with time it will follow you to adulthood which then gives you trouble in the work place. It might be beneficial for your son if you go ahead and have him tested. According to the American Psychiatric Association some of the symtpoms of ADHD are fails to give close, careless mistakes, difficulty sustaining attention, does not seem to listen when spoken to, does not follow through with instructions, easily distracted, forgetful, fidgets, runs excessively, difficulty playing quietly, and interrupts others. If for some reason your child is ADD then getting him help would probably help your homeschooling go a little smoother, ADHD is common and it is associated with learning disabilities. Now about the children you are caring for find out what your child and the other child is interested in and include that during the day. Have the weeks planned out, have a theme and take a field trip related to that theme, cook around that theme, plan activities that will be of interest to them. The child that is on ritalin, maybe his mother needs to give him a certain dosage of the medicine each day and not just whenever he is acting out, of course she should check with her pediatrician first. Here are some websites that may be of interest to your children: db.cochran.com/li_showElems:theopage:thoe:4119:0.db A site to find a penpal. www.kidsvista.com www.janbrett.com www.3.ns.sympatico.ca/onstage/puppets/activity/index.html