A touching tribute from a daughter to her mother highlights the importance of truly listening to our children, especially during challenging times. In a candid post, actress and writer Lily Carter shares her appreciation for her mother, who took the necessary steps to support her during her struggles with ADHD.
Carter’s heartfelt message, titled “What I Want to Say to My Mom, Who Medicated Me,” serves as a vital reminder for parents wrestling with the decision to medicate their children. “Thank you for being there when I needed to share my struggles,” she writes. “Thank you for advocating for me when others dismissed my challenges as mere childhood behavior. I now realize that ADHD is largely genetic, and your understanding meant everything to me.”
She continues, “Thank you for ensuring I received a proper evaluation, which helped me comprehend my brain’s unique wiring. I appreciate how you made time for all those appointments, even when you had a busy schedule.”
Carter is not alone in her experience; ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders affecting children. The CDC reports that about 11% of children aged four to 17, equating to approximately 6.4 million kids, have been diagnosed with ADHD. Despite the stigma surrounding medication for ADHD, the potential consequences of untreated ADHD can be severe.
Research shows that men with untreated ADHD are seven times more likely to drop out of school and earn significantly less than their peers without ADHD. Furthermore, children diagnosed with ADHD at a young age face increased risks of depression and suicidal thoughts as they grow older.
“Thank you for ignoring the critics,” Carter adds, acknowledging the many who may have judged her mother’s decisions. Her message emphasizes the importance of listening to our children’s needs and trusting our parental instincts. “Thanks to you, I received the treatment I required. I excelled in school, built my confidence, and never had to resort to self-medicating, which many of my peers with ADHD have done. You always believed in me.”
Every child deserves to feel heard and supported, and it is crucial for parents to foster that environment. For more insights on parenting and fertility, check out this blog post on home insemination, or learn more about at-home insemination kits at Make A Mom, a trusted authority on the subject.
In summary, Lily Carter’s heartfelt gratitude to her mother serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of listening to children. By advocating for their needs, parents can significantly impact their children’s lives and well-being.