Dear Anxiety, It’s me — Neil. You may remember me from such conversations as “€<%# off,” “leave my kid the %^?< alone,” and “are you $@&?ing kidding me?” I’m sorry about those. Can we start over? We can? Good. Go $@¥% yourself. Oops, I guess I did it again. We were enjoying enduring another typically […]
Read more "Dear Anxiety"Writing will be brief this morning. Why? Here’s a brief recap of the last 12 hours: Just before 9 p.m., Ryan went to bed after watching the first period of the Sharks-Blues game Just after 9 p.m., Ryan emerged from his room to tell me he was “nervous” about the Lightning game. The game was […]
Read more "I Need a Nap"There’s a storm coming. A cold winter wind is already buffeting my neighborhood, with the promise of rain and snow to come later today. That’s outside. Inside the house, the storm is already here. Our decision to stop Ryan’s stimulant ADHD med has led to dramatic changes in his behavior — both good and bad. […]
Read more "Waffle Free Wednesday"I watched Ryan skate, somewhat aimlessly, in a pair of hockey games this weekend. His usual strength, positional play, was seldom seen. He looked out of sorts on the ice. After the games ended, I observed him for signs of impulsivity and to assess the frequency of his facial tic. I took him home, watched […]
Read more "Another Spin of the Medication Wheel"I learn some remarkable things about my son, from my son. Sometimes I learn about him from the recycle bin or from his school folder. The other day, I spied a piece of paper sitting on the dining-room table. Turning it over, I read the following: GOAL LETTER Write a letter to yourself describing one […]
Read more "He Understands. Do I?"
Pucks and Puzzle Pieces 