Getting dressed and late for school

by Lisa Carroll
(Flagstaff, Az US)

My 5 YO grandson was diagnosed with SID last year. In the beginning of the school year he spent every single day in the principles office for fighting with other kids. His psychiatrist diagnosed him with ADHD also and we started him on Ritalin. Since then he hasn't had to go to the principles office one time. We work very closely with the school and support team ie; PT, OT, ST and more. A huge problem my daughter and I have with my grandson is getting him ready for school.

It is always a battle to get him dressed. He hits, kicks, screams, bites and cries often. But every once in a while he'll just get dressed with no problem at all. We never know what kind of morning he is going to have until that morning. So on these mornings when he refuses to get dressed we are often late for school. His teachers are really coming down hard on us for this and acting like we are not being good parent/grandparents because he is often late. My daughter is very distressed over the way his teachers are treating her as we have explained to them the problem we are having but they don't seem to understand.

What do we do ? We obviously can't take him to school in his PJ's. We can't let him wear the same shirt he wore the day before when it is dirty. What is a good way to deal with him not wanting to get dressed in the morning. And also brushing his teeth and taking him medication can cause some delay in getting him to school on time. We just never know and would like for the teachers to lighten up on us. Its a constant challenge for us with my grandson. He is by nature the sweetest, kindest, most gentle little boy, but when he is acting up its we often are just in awe not knowing what to do. Does anyone have any suggestions. We really need them. thanks