We have a new federal law that gives parents more control over the medications that a school can require their kids to take.  Many parents have been faced with the painful decision to administer Ritalin or other drugs so that their children could continue attending school.  One family I know pulled all four of their kids out of school because one child was told he had to take Ritalin to attend.  They opted for homeschooling vs. drugs for their children.  Obviously, experts weigh in on both sides of this controversy.  Some say that without the mandate, teachers will be afraid to speak out regarding children they believe need help.  Others say that this new law prevents the schools from trying to be doctors.  Either way, for us parents, we need to know that we have the option to say “no” if we feel that drugs are not appropriate for the situation.

This article presents a tough issue, because some kids may really need treatment, but clearly many children are receiving drugs when they don’t need them.  Hopefully, this law can move us more toward a partnership between schools and parents when assessing problems, and each party can feel invested enough to think through their choices carefully.