Parenting
By: Jessica Thompson
Recently, my daughter received a heartwarming letter from her elementary school teacher, and it couldn’t have arrived at a better moment. This thoughtful educator took the time to express gratitude for my daughter’s ADHD awareness videos on YouTube.
In his letter, the teacher wrote:
“I came across the My Little Heroes YouTube videos featuring you while searching for ways to teach various types of students. Yes, even teachers are in a constant state of learning. Your videos have been incredibly helpful to me. You did an excellent job of articulating feelings like loneliness, anger, and sadness. I appreciated how you mentioned the importance of positive encouragement from teachers when students try their best. I particularly loved hearing about the qualities you admire in yourself, like being a loyal friend. My favorite part? Honestly, all of it, but especially when you said, ‘I think with my feelings and see with my heart.’” — Mr. A
He concluded his touching letter with this message:
“I am thrilled to have seen your videos and learned what it’s like to be you, Sophia! You’ve taught this teacher something valuable! Thank you!” — Mr. A
This letter was especially timely because some parents at my daughter’s school have been gossiping about Sophia’s ADHD awareness efforts, suggesting that I’m coercing her into making these videos and that she will regret it one day.
Regret what, exactly? Regret helping over 7 million people understand the realities of living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? Regret educating others, including teachers like Mr. A, on how to support children with ADHD? Regret launching a global pen pal program designed to connect kids with ADHD and help them feel valued? Regret simply being herself?
These parents don’t know me or my daughter; their children aren’t even friends with Sophia. Why do they feel entitled to judge and gossip about my family? It’s time for them to grow up!
Sophia understands the profound impact she’s having through her ADHD Awareness videos. She knows she’s making a difference for families around the world, and she’s rightly proud of her efforts. It takes immense courage to share her authentic experiences with ADHD, and I commend her bravery.
For the record, I have never pressured her into creating these videos. I’ve consistently assured her that if she ever wanted to stop or remove her videos, I would respect her wishes. Her comfort and feelings come first, always.
To the parents who claim Sophia will regret her decision to make ADHD awareness videos, I ask: Why should she be ashamed of having ADHD? Is it wrong to educate others about it? Instead of celebrating my daughter’s honesty and bravery, you seek to undermine us? That simply won’t work.
Families dealing with ADHD often become advocates because they learn to be resilient. When someone tries to diminish the light of a child with ADHD, they often respond with fierce determination and a supportive community. This is precisely why my blog is called My Little Heroes!
A significant part of the problem is that these parents likely don’t understand what it means to live with ADHD or support someone who does. Their disruptive behavior in response to Sophia’s videos reflects a lack of empathy. I feel sorry for them and for their children, who may grow up to adopt the same judgmental mindset. Conversely, children taught to embrace differences will grow, learn, and thrive.
There are several fantastic adult YouTubers with ADHD who are doing tremendous work in educating others and supporting families, such as Alex Morgan from ADHD Insights, who has built a community of over 200,000 subscribers. She’s candid about her experiences, and her followers appreciate her for it. Her videos are not only informative but also engaging. I can only imagine what she might say to those parents doubting Sophia’s choices.
Moving forward, I will continue to provide my daughter with this invaluable platform to share her voice and support her endeavors. I am proud of her and her ADHD journey, and I’m grateful to everyone who has viewed and shared her videos. Your support has transformed what began as a small spark into a blazing flame. Let’s keep that fire alive!
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Summary
In a heartfelt message, a teacher praises a young girl for her impactful ADHD awareness videos on YouTube, amidst gossip from other parents who question her involvement. The writer defends her daughter’s choices and the positive influence she’s having on families worldwide, emphasizing the importance of understanding and accepting differences in others.