Is Ritalin really a good choice for Children?

Well, when my stepson was prescribed it by his doctor, it helped him, yes, but we noticed he would get too "sleepy"! So we cut it in half doses, then went down to One-quarter, and then eventually "weaned" him off of it! As he grew older he did much better with his hyperness, enough to function in society! At this time he is 33yrs old, and is doing very good without any medication! There were no side-effects!

Some children really need the meds but I think that it should be the last resort. My son is very active but he does not need medication. He's just hyper like me and full of energy. Active children need to stay active. They have a hard time sitting still all day. One thing that would help is getting them involved in sports. Sometimes we will run around the house 10 times that wears him out every time. After the exercise before and after school he is very calm and relaxed.

I have a 13 year old son. he will be 14 in september. His mother has had him on Ritalin for at least 7 years. Every were I look every one tells me long term use is extremly harmful. And Dangerous at his age. I am puzzeled on what to beleive. He has to take ritalin twice a day. full pill. Uknown how many mg.