5 yr. Old son started Kindergarten - struggles with paying attention and listening
Hello fellow parents,
My oldest son just started Kindergarten and is only on his second week. For more context, he was in Summer school at his Preschool as well, and basically finished that and then started right into Kidnergarten. He has been in preschool for the past 1.5 years. He has had an evaluation done from the county and did well through all of it, except for behavior and fine motor skills (he is a little clumsy and uncoordinated, and struggles to stay sitting and focused) he is very smart and well-spoken, and is a sweet boy. He just doesnt like to sit in one place and focus.
In his kindergarten class, he has been struggling paying attention i.e. has needed to be redirected often, and gets too "playful" and doesn't stay in his seat very much. Granted, upon registration at his Charter school I was told they try to keep classroom sizes to 14-16 students per teacher and teacher aide. But his classroom size is 30 students as one of the kindergarten teachers got moved up a grade, and they are trying to fill that teacher spot and split the class in half. I understand this is a new environment and structure for him to learn, and it is so early on to determine anything. But I have to find a solution to help this as I dont want him to be "kicked out" of this school, it is a great school.
He has been seen by his pediatrician for this, and she stated he is too young to fully diagnose for adhd, and chocked it up to reducing screen time, reducing sugar intake, better sleep routine, etc. Since then, insurance has changed and he has a new pediatrician, and he will do testing on him and possibly set up occupational therapy, and he is too young for medication at 5 yrs. The last thing I want to do is get him medicated, but I wanted to see if any other parents have dealt or are dealing with similar issues and found some solutions, or any medication information. Further context, I have been diagnosed with ADHD, and was medicated but didnt like the changes and the stimulants messed with my blood pressure. Any advice is welcomed, sorry for the long post!
TL:DR Son has issues staying focused, possibly adhd, need advice/solutions from other parents with similar issues.