Explaining ADHD to a Child: 7 Tips to Frame ADHD in a Positive Way to Your Kid

Every parent lacks confidence when it comes to explaining ADHD to a child.

“What if it comes out the wrong way?”

“What if it lowers our child’s self-esteem?”

“What if our child starts feeling bad about not being normal?”

You’ve probably asked this to your spouse or yourself before talking to your child about ADHD.

You probably even toyed with the idea of not telling anything to your child.

But many Behavioral Therapists and child psychologists say that it’s important to let your child know about ADHD. This way, it is implied that there’s nothing wrong or shameful about them.

Here are a 7 tips to frame ADHD in a positive way for your kid(s).

  1. Pick the right time to have the talk

Make sure that your child isn’t caught up in other stuff that would distract them. For example, you could talk to them before they go to bed.

Encourage them to speak up if they have questions or fears. Also, let them know that they can have follow-up discussions if they’d like to. This way, they’ll actively take part in their treatment and feel like they’re part of the plan.

  1. Let your child know that they’re loved and accepted

You can start by saying that ADHD makes your child a quick learner who is superman/superwoman when it comes to creativity. Tell them that they can come up with great ideas in a flash and that’s a good thing.

Make sure to let your child that ADHD is not a flaw and that you love them just the way they’re. This is important because most children with ADHD have been called “stupid” and “lazy” for being different from their friends.

  1. Discuss your child’s fears

It’s natural for your child to be afraid of being a failure.

Explain that ADHD is common and that  there are other successful personalities like Justin Timberlake, Michael Phelps and Adam Levine who struggle with it.

If there’s someone in your circle that struggles with ADHD, get them to talk to your child.

  1. Don’t expect to spark interest instantly

Let’s face it. Your child may not get interested in learning all about ADHD right away.

You should give your child some time to soak in the information and help them understand things at their own pace.

Lookout for “teachable” moments to get their attention and work with them.

  1. Praise them

No, this doesn’t refer to the “fake” praise where you praise them for every small thing that they do.

Keep the compliments genuine and offer it to them only if they’ve accomplished something.

For example, tell your child that they did a good job when they’ve managed to finish their homework.

Help them focus on their strengths and pursue their interests. Remember that they can do anything as long as you act as their support system.

  1. Explain things from their perspective

It’s always easy to get the ball rolling when both the child and the parent understand each other. Explaining ADHD in your child’s language helps them understand it better.

For example, you could liken your child’s mind to a rocket or race car with an extremely powerful engine.

Tell them that it’s so powerful that the brakes can’t keep up with the engine’s power.

Make your child understand that the scenery outside the spaceship or car can get blurry and that sometimes, it’s difficult to see anything at all.

This is why they’d have trouble listening in class or concentrating on homework.

  1. Don’t let them use ADHD as an excuse

As much as you support your child through the whole process, it’s also important to let them know that ADHD is NOT a reason to give up on their homework.

Again, it’s important to make your child understand that they have to give their best while maintaining a positive attitude.

To sum it all up, it’s important to let your child know that they’re loved and accepted.

If your child seems uninterested at first, try explaining things in their language. Give them genuine compliments and don’t let them use ADHD as a reason to give up on things.

If you’d like to diagnose the severity of the problem and get remedial measures, reach out to Lexicon Reading Center. Our dedicated team of child psychologists and Special Education teachers will work to  assess your child’s problems and help them tackle it. You can also register for a free screening here or use the form below.

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