Some days are tougher than others for kids with ADHD and you as parents need to be there to support them while they grow up.
According to Cleveland Clinic, ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a mental condition that causes executive dysfunction.
It disrupts a person’s ability to manage their own emotions, thoughts and actions.
If your child has ADHD, they might often feel misunderstood, judged or shamed.
Dr Sharon Saline shares what ADHD kids wished they told their parents.
What Your ADHD Child Likely Wants to Tell You
She shared five things a child with ADHD wants parents to know, that includes:
1. When Parents are Upset, Kids Get Upset Too
It’s hard not to react when something triggering happens that can cause you to become upset.
If your emotions are going haywire, it’s harder for your child to calm themselves down.
Instead, if you feel like you’re getting heated up, it’s a sign for you to remove yourself from the scene and get a breather.
2. Kids and Parents Need Compassion and Acceptance
Dr Sharon said that you need to meet kids where they are, not where you think they should be.
That could be based on age, intelligence level or physical size.
You should also avoid using labels and try to practice compassion with your kids.
Try to refrain from self-judgement and help your child to accept their traits.
3. Kids Want to Make Decisions Too
Dr Sharon said that kids with ADHD don’t exactly want to be told what to do.
These kids have special ways of processing information that may not make sense to others.
If your child’s room is messy, instead of having a back-and-forth argument about it, ask if they have ideas for keeping it clean.
4. Consistency Is Good for Kids
Dr Sharon also mentioned that predictability and routine can be very comforting for kids with ADHD.
This also encourage executive-functioning skills to develop.
Although, consistency doesn’t necessarily mean perfection, it just means more often than not.
5. Kids Feel Proud When Parents Notice Their Effort
Even when they don’t succeed, children with ADHD want validation.
Dr Sharon mentioned that global praise like ‘You’re smart’ or ‘You’re a good person’ doesn’t always work.
Instead of those phrases, mention their effort and say things like ‘Thank you for clearing your plate when I asked’.
What to Do If You Think Your Child Might Have ADHD
ADHD is considered to be one of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children.
These days, with the exposure this condition is getting, it’s possible for you to be worried for your child.
You can look for common symptoms of ADHD such as:
- having trouble staying focused on tasks
- loses things frequently
- difficulty organising tasks
- constant fidgeting
It’s important for you to see an expert quickly as without treatment, this condition can potentially lead to a number of complications.
Understand ADHD
Understanding the condition more can help you raise your kid with ADHD better.
Try to put yourself in their situation and see better why they do the things they do.
Continue to raise them with love and affection and your family will be just fine.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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