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Updated by Umbrella Health Care Systems on Oct 22, 2023
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10 Positive Things to Tell Your Child About ADHD

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.
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1

How to Talk to Your Child About ADHD

How to Talk to Your Child About ADHD

ADHD is a brain disorder that affects your child’s behavior. It can be easy to focus on how difficult ADHD is, but using positive parenting and language helps your child feel good about themselves and learn how to manage their symptoms.
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2

The Truth

The Truth

Learn about how ADHD affects your child and tell them the truth. Don’t just tell them they have a superpower or a gift, though. They will have to work hard at managing their ADHD, so it might not feel like a gift. It’s also important, though, to let them know it’s not their fault and that lots of kids and adults have ADHD.
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3

ADHD Makes Your Brain Work Faster

ADHD Makes Your Brain Work Faster

Telling your child they have a disorder can make them afraid. Instead, explain that everyone’s brain works differently and describe how ADHD affects your child. Use simple and positive language, like “ADHD makes your brain work faster”.
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4

ADHD Is Just Something You Have

ADHD Is Just Something You Have

Your child isn’t their ADHD medical diagnosis, and they also will be more than their condition and symptoms. Help them understand ADHD is not who they are, but something they have.
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5

Medicine Helps You Stay in Control

Medicine Helps You Stay in Control

Talk about ADHD medication as a tool that helps them manage their ADHD symptoms. Don’t tell them they need medication to learn or to “be good”. Assume they are already intelligent and good and talk about medication as a way to help them stay in control.
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6

I Like How You Did That

I Like How You Did That

ADHD causes challenging behavior that’s hard for your child to control. They might hear a lot of criticism, so it’s important to be positive. Build their self-esteem and praise them when they do something well.
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7

Trouble Focusing Is Normal for Kids With ADHD

Trouble Focusing Is Normal for Kids With ADHD

Explain that things they struggle with are normal for kids with ADHD, just like wearing glasses is normal for kids whose eyes work differently, or using a wheelchair is normal for kids whose legs work differently. Remind them they’re a regular person even if some things are harder for them.
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8

You Can Explain Your ADHD to Others

You Can Explain Your ADHD to Others

Medical privacy is important, even for kids, but let them know that explaining they have ADHD might help others understand they don’t mean to interrupt or be disruptive. Teach them to say, “I’m sorry about that. I have ADHD and it’s sometimes hard for my body and mind to be still.”.
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9

Practice Helps with Control

Practice Helps with Control

Kids with ADHD have trouble linking behavior with consequences and often forget the rules, so they need to practice. Remind them of the rule and be clear. If they get frustrated, remind them that practicing helps with control.
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10

ADHD Gives You Lots of Exciting New Ideas

ADHD Gives You Lots of Exciting New Ideas

ADHD might feel frustrating to kids sometimes. Talking positively about ADHD can help your child have a growth mindset. You don’t need to pretend it’s wonderful when it’s hard work, but you can support them with positive language. If they get distracted, you can say, “That makes sense. ADHD gives you lots of new ideas, sometimes all at the same time”.
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11

We’re a Team

We’re a Team

If your child is feeling frustrated with their symptoms, support their feelings. Let them know that you and their teachers can work together and help them.
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