If you’re raising a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you’re likely all too familiar with the judgments that others often pass. Many people may misconstrue your parenting choices, suggesting that you simply need to “discipline your child.” Others may label your child as “disobedient” or “out of control.” Unfortunately, there often seems to be a lack of compassion for those with ADHD, including adults who experience similar challenges. It’s essential to recognize that these children’s brains operate differently, and success can manifest in various ways.
It’s disheartening to think that kids with ADHD might grow up with the belief that they are “bad.” We must work together to reshape this narrative. While parents often advocate for their children, it’s equally important to amplify the voices of the kids themselves. At Modern Family Blog, we aimed to create a space where children could express what they wish others understood about their ADHD. Parents were encouraged to engage in discussions with their kids about these topics, resulting in valuable insights from children as young as six to college students. Here are some of their heartfelt messages:
- “I wish people wouldn’t react negatively to my hyperness.”
- “Please stop calling it a disorder. I’m different, my brain works differently, and that isn’t wrong.”
- “I try really hard not to misbehave.”
- “I just wish people understood me better.”
- “Homework is tough for me. I’ve spent all day writing at school, so why do I need to do it at home? Home is my time to relax.”
- “I need to fidget; it helps me focus.”
- “I listen to my music loudly to drown out my racing thoughts. I talk fast because I want to share everything at once. When I get home from school, I feel drained. I need to relax. During TV time, rocking or bouncing helps me pay attention, and I need subtitles to follow along.”
- “I can’t just stop repeating myself when I’m moving.”
- “I wish people understood that I’m not a bad kid.”
- “As a child, I wanted people to know that I can’t just turn my brain off. It jumps around just like my heart beats and my lungs breathe. It’s just as frustrating for me as it is for others.”
The list goes on, revealing a wealth of emotions and experiences. One child expressed that they often feel overwhelmed, saying, “It’s like being on a tilt-a-whirl. No matter how hard I try to focus, everything is a blur because my mind is racing.” Another shared, “When I take my ADHD medication, I sit still more and finish tasks quicker, but I also feel less like myself. I don’t laugh as much, and I miss feeling happy.” It’s clear that these children are striving to communicate their struggles and strengths.
For more on managing ADHD, you can check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination. Additionally, to learn about some helpful strategies, see this article on ADHD from Modern Family Blog. It’s vital to understand that children with ADHD are not “lazy” or “bad.” They are just navigating the world with a different set of challenges, and offering support and understanding can make all the difference.
In summary, children with ADHD have unique experiences and voices that deserve to be heard. By fostering understanding and compassion, we can help reshape their narratives and support their journeys.