Psychologist: ‘Child Labor Better Than Ritalin’

Psychologist: ‘Child Labor Better Than Ritalin’



NEW YORK (Wireless Flash) – Forget Ritalin! A clinical psychologist suggests the best medicine for a hyperactive kid is a job. Dr. Cathy Gildener should know. She was a wild toddler who could climb trees when she was two and imitate Ed Sullivan at four. Modern doctors might diagnose Attention Deficit Disorder or hyperactivity, but Gildener’s doctor prescribed a job: Working in her dad’s pharmacy delivering prescriptions. It may seem like a violation of child labor laws but Gildener said the job burned up excess energy and taught her responsibility. Most pre-teens probably can’t get paying jobs but Gildener still suggests giving problem kids extra chores before resorting to Ritalin. It seems to have worked for Gildener. Besides having a successful practice, she’s just optioned her childhood memoir, Too Close To The Falls (Penguin), for a feature film.

Mon 04-15-02