How to Talk to Your Child about ADHD, Part 4
April 8th, 2009
What to say-Don’ts
• Don’t tell them they need to learn more about what ADHD is. That is the job of the parents and teachers that work with your child
• Don’t tell your child that ADHD is who they are. ADHD is only PART of who you are, it does NOT define who they are as a person or who they will become as an adult
• Do NOT say that they have a disorder.
• If your child is being placed on medications, don’t make this a big deal for them. Some kids are embarrassed that they will have to take medications and often even more embarrassed if their friends find out about it.
• ADHD is not a PROBLEM, it is a challenge in life that can be tackled like any other problem
• Don’t get technical with them. If a health care professional has explained to you what ADHD is, reword it into language they can understand, but emphasize that this has positive aspects as well
You are your child’s best ally! Even when you lose patience, remember that your child is struggling right along with you. ADHD affects them more than it affects anyone else. The moment of diagnosis provides you as the parent with the opportunity to help your child develop their talents and individual strengths. Overall, ADHD is a challenge and not a problem.
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