Choosing not to medicate 7yo with ADHD

[rehearseit]

My son is 7, has ADHD, and is currently not medicated. More and more people keep trying to push me towards medication. I have done a lot of research and agree that it must be life changing for some people. My reasons for not medicating are due to the fact that he does a high intensity sport that is his sole focus outside of school. He eats, sleeps and breathes it. He's obsessed with it, and it regulates him to no end. He does ok at school and whilst he struggles with focus, the only thing he is behind on is reading/phonics, but not majorly. He has great friends, is super social, yes he has big meltdowns, but things are a lot better since I have been implementing coping strategies.

Despite this, my family and a couple of friends keep ranting on about how I should 'try some meds'.

It's making me question myself and my choice.

I worry about the affect on appetite and growth, and also whether he really needs it.

AIBU to not medicate?

It’s nobody else’s business, I’d say.

There’s a middle ground. He can be medicated for the school hours and not outside of school. In my opinion this allows focus where it’s needed and also to develop coping mechanisms alongside it.

This, you might be ok with his melt downs.............

My DC is medicated for ADHD - but only because theyre BOMBING at school. I really hope the meds will give them the focus needed to actually participate in a meaningful way with their academics.