I know that some of you that read my posts think I am harsh or cold but I have been there myself just like many of you are faced with the same bitter difficulties your dealing with your children as well as also I am a parent of 3 children whom are now 19, 16 soon to be 17 and 15...It just appaulds me to no end that every child on the face of this earth is assumed to have one of these disorders without willing admitingly "accepting" by looking into other alternatives. Over 10 yrs ago like many of you ...I too was being told from others like today "assuming" that with my children were classified in one of the categories like with my oldest they were classing him ODD/ADHD and with my youngest with ADHD. This is really becoming an epidemic. Like I said some really do need it while others think they need it and for the remaining do they really need it??? Because before I "gave in" I looked for other alternative solutions beforehand. Which about the same time I took parenting classes this helped me to better build structure, help give ideas in giving my kids choices, make a list of rules and sticking with them as well as for punishments when they broke these rules etc the key was discipline and following thru with the consequences and not giving in to my children. Moreover, changing there diet kids love "junk food" if you allow them to have they will love you for it by cutting this out all together in there diet and cooked them well balanced meals and took better control of this they had less hyperactivity. They got milk with all there meals, water in between, this also included limiting them on kool-aid (which is nothing but sugar)One glass at snack time then water after they were finished. Depending on how there behavior was if they didn't like what they were given they weren't given any other choice except water or nothing? If they were that thirsty they would drink water ....This made a tremendous difference with my children. To this day my children have rules and responsibilites to follow and when they don't follow there are consequences. It is like "magic"what it may appear to be isn't always neccessarily so in every case. If you an obstinate parent and can't see it no other way in most cases giving your child a pill won't change . During that time I gave it a try for to see the benefit of the doubt Cause for a year my youngest child did take concerta however, there was no significant difference between her taking and not taking the meds with her behavior her behavior was the same be that as it may she no longer takes any of these meds it has been quite a few yrs ago because better parenting methods overrules and she is doing much better. I am glad I did what I did I don't regret nor will I change anything I made the right choices by knowing me and my children. I am glad I didn't fall into that trap without looking into other alternatives .Parenting is a job that takes alot of effort hard work and dedication to your children. You have to find balance not be overpowering and overbearring with them like by yelling at them. Treat them as if like an adult when talking to them although we hear that we do do with them but ever try listening to them which is what they say that we don't want to hear because they will point out the same advice that we want to get from others if we can't accept what our children are throwing back at us how are we going to accept what anyone else tells us that is how you know your an obstinate parent......accepting the truth is the challenge. I did that with my oldest child he pointed out things I didn't like to hear I expected him to change so much he to was being obstinate just like me so I took heed to what he was saying by "listening" to what he was telling me he made sense so when I made some changes so did he just by getting his point of view at 16 yrs old he is 19 and we have had the best friendship ever since I respect him more he respects me alot more just these little things make a tremendous difference through trial and error with my first child we taught each other it is a great accomplishment of joy it is awesome....:angel: and with all my children they are well behaved responsible and learned to make better choices if they are not sure they ask me for advice before they do anything ...they feel important and yes they are ....;) :) :angel: