Every day begins...

Mornings are supposed to be a fresh start, a clean slate, open to limitless possibilities for the day, right? Most days, I struggle to keep that perspective through the first few hours of my day. The routine is the same every day...I get up and start unloading the dishwasher, get a load of laundry going, prep school assignments and get out all the school supplies. K & J get up and have breakfast and play on the computer. So far, so good. But then H gets up. I have to be right there, the second he comes downstairs, to make sure he takes his meds. immediately. His hyperactivity is in full swing for a good 60-90 minutes after he gets his meds. He can't sit still, he makes constant noises, and pesters his brother & sister to the point of tears. He can't help it and I know that, but what to do to keep my sanity and help K & J survive that hour and a half?

Today, I got upset with K & J...we've been over it a million times...while we wait for Hunter's meds. to kick in, just stay away from him. Don't go into whatever room he's in. They are both old enough to understand that, but every morning, at some point all 3 of them are in the same room, which always leads to name calling, screaming, hitting, kicking, or throwing things, or a combination of all of the above. I sent K & J to their rooms this morning, which hardly seems fair, but I didn't know what else to do. They feel like they're in trouble (but they feel like it's Hunter's fault) and I feel guilty for making them feel that way. Sigh...