Tame that Gremlin

80% of what ADHD children hear at school can be negative, so the 80% they hear at home should be positive. Look for their strengths, beauties, and competencies, and talk about them often. Appreciate the little things they do and tell them. Let them over hear you telling others good things about them. Nothing will make them prouder and instill a higher level of self confidence. ADHD children need more positive feedback than other kids and they need to know that someone believes in them. They tend to hold a negative “gremlin” inside their minds reminding them of all of the things they do wrong, or late, or not at all. Help them to focus on their talents, value, and worth! Catch your child being good and acknowledge them genuinely. Every person longs to feel important, dignified, and valued. What can you do to make your child feel more dignified?

Wish you understood your child better? Ask them to name 2-3 things they like about going to school and 2-3 things they do not like about going to school. Remember, academic intelligence and social intelligence only have 5% overlap so be ready for any answer. I recommend you listen supportively, with no judgment. Refrain from responding for at least 24 hours, if at all. Just listen and learn. Let them know you are their support system and you just might be amazed at how the communication lines open up. By the way, there will be time to work on solving issues later.