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10 Comments Parents of ADHD Kids are Tired of Hearing
As the parent of an 8-year-old named Max, who has ADHD, I often find myself in conversations about his condition. Whether I’m sharing my frustrations with a friend or discussing strategies with teachers, I encounter a range of reactions. Unfortunately, many of these responses show a lack of understanding about ADHD. Here are ten statements that really get under my skin, along with the truth behind them:
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“Distraction is common; who isn’t distracted these days?”
Sure, we all get sidetracked by our phones or social media. But kids with ADHD can’t simply flip a mental switch and focus. My son can sit in front of his homework and be completely oblivious to it, lost in his thoughts.
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“He’s just being a kid; all kids are wild at times.”
Yes, kids can be energetic! But ADHD isn’t just typical childhood behavior. It’s essential to recognize that when a parent expresses concerns about their child’s behavior, they’re serious. The intensity and frequency of these behaviors are what set ADHD apart.
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“He just needs to put in more effort.”
If you’ve ever seen a child with ADHD struggle to finish a homework assignment, you’d realize how hard they actually try. It’s heartbreaking to watch.
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“He’s probably bored.”
While boredom can amplify distractibility, it’s not the root cause of ADHD symptoms. Unlike neurotypical kids, those with ADHD can’t just will themselves to focus.
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“He must not be getting enough discipline at home.”
Discipline is crucial in every home, but suggesting that ADHD can be solved with stricter rules is absurd. Many families manage ADHD and neurotypical children together, and that shows this viewpoint is misguided.
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“Why not just medicate him? You’d do it for diabetes, right?”
Comparing ADHD to diabetes isn’t fair. Yes, diabetes is a serious condition, but ADHD is not life-threatening in the same way. Families need to make informed decisions with their healthcare providers without these comparisons.
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“Don’t medicate him! He’ll be a zombie!”
Just because you know someone who had a bad experience with medication doesn’t mean you should give unsolicited advice. This is a personal decision that should be made between the family and their healthcare professional.
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“He focuses when he wants to; so maybe he doesn’t have ADHD.”
This is frustrating, but understandable. There are days when Max can focus beautifully, making me question everything. But then I see the pile of unfinished work, and reality hits: ADHD is unpredictable.
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“He’ll grow out of it.”
Some kids may outgrow ADHD, but most won’t. It’s essential to accept this reality and work on solutions instead of clinging to false hope.
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“He just needs to learn to pay attention better.”
Haha, if only it were that simple! ADHD is a complex condition that requires understanding and support.
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In summary, conversations about ADHD can often reveal a lot of misconceptions. Understanding that ADHD is a genuine condition that affects many kids is essential for fostering empathy and support.