In 1989 my son was diagnosed as having ADHD. The preschool said, “He is not naughty but he can’t listen,  he sits on other children, can’t find his own space or sit still.” I went to a paediatrician who wanted me to put him on drugs. I felt that we could manage without and worked with his wonderful teachers all through the primary school years. We hit high school and no one had the time to work with us. They insisted that we take our son to a specialist and we trialled the drugs. They had the effect of making him self aware and depressed. 

I was a child who daydreamed, was sent out to sit on the steps, was sent to the principal who had beautiful books outside her office and who didn’t really click with school until I was twelve. I was happy playing, drawing and making things. Sitting at a desk in rows did nothing for me. 

My son’s daughter is active. She never stops! In a year or so when she starts school I am praying that her teachers engage her with activities that involve making, doing and exploring. I am hoping that her school has caught up with the trends of 21st century learning. If not, she too will be labelled as naughty and difficult to teach – just like her Nana and Dad.