Feingold

Shortly after Samuel was born, we had a conference with Silas' first grade teacher. She was beside herself with what to do with our sweet boy, who was also driving us crazy. We figured he was just your average, active 6-year-old boy and that the new baby was just causing him to act-up a little more than usual. She politely disagreed with his activity level being "average" and went on to open our eyes a little to the possibility that he might be on the extreme end of that spectrum, even suggesting that some would recommend medication, although she was quick to point out that she is not a doctor and didn't think that applied to Silas.

We were stunned. I wanted to cry, but I think I was just too exhausted. I'm a realist, so rather than run away or deny, I began the process of researching a possible diagnosis for our "sweet but antsy" child. After extensive reading, a trip to the pediatrician, some blood work, godly counsel from a few wise and trusted friends and a tremendous amount of prayer, I came up with the following conclusion:

Silas does NOT have ADHD.

Whew! But then what's going on with him? Silas is a bright child, so I believe part of the lack of focus that his teacher was seeing from him was simply boredom. But there still was something going on with him - I could see his inability to control his body, falling down

all

the

time.

I thought it was just normal for him, but maybe it didn't have to be.

After the conference, the medical assistant in the classroom (one of his classmates has a terrible nut allergy that is life threatening), Ms. Becky, suggested that we look into the Feingold Program for Silas. Her grandson had benefitted from the diet change and she thought Silas might be a good candidate as well.

The basic idea is to avoid artificial dyes, artificial sweeteners and artificial preservatives. I knew about the dyes and sweeteners, but I hadn't considered the preservatives before. It turns out that Silas is one of the chemically sensitive kids who have a hard time dealing with yucky additives. I took him off of hot lunch at school (full of preservatives, of course), and in one week's time, he was showing considerable improvement.

And so rather than embrace a depressing diagnosis, I began to embrace a new healthy way to eat, from which we can all benefit! I thank God for leading me to this knowledge. Through out this whole ordeal, I was praying that God would show us the way. The Bible promises that he will "gently lead those who have young" (Isaiah 40:11), and I am so grateful for his leading.

Silas has had some difficulty with the diet. It means he can't have what everyone else is having. It means he is sometimes isolated and embarrassed. I am so committed to bringing out the best in him that at times it's hard for me to see things from his perspective. He talks about growing up and going off the diet, and I know that if I'm not careful, I will cultivate a rebellious heart in him by demanding conformity to this strict diet while I can control his circumstances, but as he grows beyond my sphere of influence, he could easily wander into dangerous waters, seeking freedom and pleasure after being denied for so long. It is a difficult journey we are on, and one I'm nervously and prayerfully proceeding on.