Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

How do I give my brother some food for thought about his son without seeming like a holier than thou dork ?

Here's the thing : his son is about 6 and his school teachers are recommending that my brother give him Ritalin to help him focus.
Although what I see is that his kids are addicted to sugar. My bro makes lots of money and his kids have everything they could want and more. This includes a kitchen full of sugary things. When I walk into their kitchen the smell of sugar hits me straight away and my mind wants it. The cupboards are full of every sugary thing that you could want.
I suspect that this is affecting his son's ability to concentrate and I'm worried that Ritalin will be doping his mind just to counteract the constant sugar rush.
On the other hand his wife is really large because she uses sugary foods all day long as comfort food because she is stressed. So she is basically setting the example for their kids. I do sympathise with her though.
He is in an awkward situation and I don't want to stick my nose into it and cause trouble. I'm concerned for the wellbeing of his son though because he has great potential. He needs to stop eating sugar in my opinion for his own good.

What do you think ? Give the kid Ritalin or discipline the kid and his mother to stop the sugar addiction ?
This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »
Shayla · F
I would suggest getting the child tested by doctors. Teachers can not prescribe medication. The doctors can determine if there is a medical need, and often recommend various lifestyle changes to help.
Wraithorn · 51-55, M
@Shayla Alright, thanks for that. I'm just wondering how intervene without seeming like I'm pointing fingers.
Shayla · F
@Wraithorn I have a kid who is on Ritalin, unfortunately. Before we got to that point he had been seeing an occupational therapist and we spent 20 hours a week working with behavioral therapists and trying different options. Did you know that those same behaviors can be caused by red food coloring? Or by the kid not sleeping well enough? Or by lashing out over past abuse?
We really have tried everything before resorting to strong medications.

As for how to talk to the parents, I would leave that up to the doctors. Feel free to mention that you have read about a few lifestyle changes which might help, but be sure sugar isn't the first or only one you mention.
Wraithorn · 51-55, M
@Shayla Alright, thank you for being open and honest. I think maybe I should suggest that my bro has a chat with people like yourself who have a similar challenge.
I know that doctors can have different opinions on this so speaking to as many people as possible might help.
On the other hand it might be difficult to advertise the fact that his kid might need Ritalin. It's all a bit awkward but thanks for your input.