If your child has ADHD, it is important to talk to them about it.
“It’s never too early to talk to your child about ADHD,” says Patricia Collins, PhD, director of the Psychoeducational Clinic at North Carolina State University.
They want them to be involved, understand, and on board, “says Dr. Terry Dickson, director of Northwest Michigan Behavioral Medicine Clinic and ADHD trainer.” I have two children with ADHD so I can speak of their experience here. “
What you say should be age appropriate, but your goal is the same: to help your child understand what ADHD means, what it doesn’t mean, and how to be successful in school and in life. You will talk about it often as your child grows and develops.
“You have to help your child feel special and like they’re part of the plan,” says Dickinson.
These 8 tips can help:
1. Make sure your child feels loved and accepted.
Help him understand that ADHD has nothing to do with his or her intelligence or ability, and it’s not a bug, says Dickson.
He could be told that treatment can help his brain focus better, just as someone wears glasses to see better.
2. Choose the discussion time wisely.
“It should be a time when you are unlikely to be interrupted,” says Collins.
Try to choose a time when your child doesn’t necessarily want to do something else, such as going to school. B. outside or before dinner or before bed.
Allow some time for follow-up care so that you are available to the child after the conversation if they have additional questions.
3. Let your child know that they are not alone.
Many other people also have ADHD, and anyone with ADHD can be successful.
Give your child examples of people with or without ADHD they may know, such as Walt Disney, Michael Phelps, and singer Adam Levine. Talking to someone who has ADHD, such as a relative or close family friend, can help your child.
Let your child know that they are special and can achieve success.
4. Don’t expect immediate interest.
Don’t be surprised if your child doesn’t respond right away or appears uninterested, says Collins.
Some children, especially younger ones, take time before new information makes sense or before they know what questions to ask.
5. Learn more about ADHD.
Talk to your doctor or reach out to advocacy and support groups in your area.
“One of the best things you can do is talk to other parents who have previous ADHD experience about what they have learned,” says Collins.
6. DO NOT focus on the negative.
“Focus on their strengths, what they’re good at, and praise their achievements,” says Dickinson.
“Whether sport, art or dance, they can pursue their interests and get along well with your support.”
7. DO NOT let your child use their ADHD as an excuse.
“Children cannot find the easy way out by attributing their setbacks to ADHD,” says Collins.
“Parents need to help their child understand that ADHD is not a reason not to do homework, to do their best, or to give up.”
8. Maintain open communication.
“Conversation is just the beginning,” says Dickinson.
“Maintain the dialogue, talk about school, your friends, homework, after-school activities, and maintain a positive attitude.”
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