Part 2: One Pill Makes You Small

It often frustrates me how people expect an "easy" fix to life's problems.  I've learned that working out and watching my nutrition is the best way to manage fitness and weight.  However, I know people who will pop whatever new diet pill comes out on the market, in an attempt to lose weight and get their dream body.  There really is no substitute for regular exercise and proper diet. . .but that takes too long, for some people.  It's not an immediate desired result.

I feel this way about medicating my child, as well.  It's not a long term solution to issues that he will deal with for the rest of his life.  Might he have to be on medication for the rest of his life?  Possibly.  But I'd rather he learn the skills and strategies for dealing with his emotions and behaviors, because I think, in the long run, it will help him more.

We have started a new program/therapy - Brain Balance.  These are "achievement centers" located throughout the US.  There is one about a 15 minute drive from our home.

This is a Behavior Bootcamp - for all of us.  The program requires an huge time and energy commitment, and rightly so - we are trying to break bad habits, create new healthy habits, and rewire my son's brain through various activities and exercises.

Our hope is that by the end of the program, our 9 year old has learned to control his behaviors and emotions, and be more responsible.  It's an huge undertaking - for all of us.  My other - more secret hope - is that he will succeed so much so, that he will not have to go back on ADHD medication for school.  I hope.  I hope.  I hope.

But I am learning, through all this "homework" that the center requires, that like working out regularly, this is no easy solution.  This is no magic pill.  This is hard work, every day.  Every.  Day.
And I am now realizing, that at the end of this 12 week program, that the hard work will have to continue - just like working out every day.

And just like some runs are really great, there are also runs that are complete disasters.  I can't get my breathing right.  Something I am wearing is uncomfortable.  I just can't go one. more. mile.  There will be Brain Balance days like this for us as well.

As always, it's not just about how we deal with the good, but how we deal with the bad.

We're shifting.