If you’re a parent of a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you likely know the stares and unsolicited advice that can come from others. You may hear people say it’s all about discipline or label your child as “out of control.” It can be disheartening to see how little compassion is often shown toward kids with ADHD, as if their minds don’t function in unique ways. It’s crucial to shift the narrative so our kids don’t grow up thinking they are simply “naughty.”
As parents, we often advocate for our children, but it’s important to let them express their feelings too. In light of this, we reached out to kids to find out what they want others to understand about living with ADHD. We gathered insights from children aged 6 all the way to college students, and here’s what they had to say in their own words:
- “I wish people wouldn’t react negatively to how hyper I am.”
- “Stop calling it a disorder! I’m just different. That’s not bad.”
- “I’m really trying not to be naughty.”
- “Understanding me would be awesome.”
- “Homework is the worst! I’ve already written all day at school.”
- “Fidgeting is something I need to do.”
- “I listen to music loud to keep my racing thoughts at bay. When I get home, I’m drained and need to chill. During TV time, bouncing helps me focus better.”
- “I can’t just stop being repetitive when I’m moving around.”
- “I wish people would see that I’m not a bad kid.”
- “When I was younger, I wanted people to know I can’t just turn off my brain. It jumps around, just like my heartbeat.”
- “I’m way smarter than people think I am.”
- “I can’t control my brain from racing.”
- “I’m not lazy; I care! My mind is just all over the place.”
- “It feels like I’m failing because I can’t control myself.”
- “Teachers should know I can’t help fidgeting in class. It’s not fair to get in trouble for something I can’t control!”
- “I want to behave, but my brain sometimes says otherwise. My emotions are huge, and I don’t mean to get upset.”
- “I’m really trying to fit in, especially when I have a meltdown.”
- “My brain feels like it’s going to pop, and I need to move.”
- “I don’t mean to say everything that comes out. My thoughts are racing!”
- “People think I’m being lazy when I’m really just trying hard.”
- “I wish I could remember the stuff I forgot, like turning in assignments.”
- “Sometimes my brain feels like it’s going to vomit from all the chaos.”
- “When I’m anxious, I wish people understood. It’s tough!”
- “Standardized tests? I’m terrible at them!”
- “I don’t mean to act out. Please understand and help me!”
- “It’s like being on a tilt-a-whirl—everything’s a blur. I can’t focus on one thing because my mind is racing through everything else.”
- “You think it’s cool that I memorize quickly, but it takes me forever to calm my mind to focus.”
- “I can’t remember if I put shampoo or conditioner in my hair! My ADD makes memory tough.”
- “When I take my ADHD meds, I get stuff done faster, but I feel less joyful. Would you choose to be smart or happy?”
- “It’s not that I don’t pay attention; my mind is just everywhere! I’m not ‘dumb,’ I’m great at solving problems, but memorization is my struggle.”
These heartfelt insights highlight the realities of ADHD and the need for understanding. If you’re curious about more ways to navigate such challenges, check out this post on home insemination for a different kind of journey. And for those interested in fertility resources, Make A Mom offers great tools, while Resolve provides excellent information on pregnancy options.
Summary
Children with ADHD often feel misunderstood and wish for compassion and awareness regarding their experiences. By sharing their thoughts, they highlight the need for empathy and a shift in how ADHD is perceived. The insights provided encourage a greater understanding of their struggles and strengths.