Explaining ADHD to your kid!

Hey there, fellow parent!

So, your kiddo got the ADHD badge?

They’re in good company – it’s between 5% and 10% of the cool kid population according to South African academic journals.

Now, you might have heard some chatter about ADHD being over diagnosed, especially when your little one is just being their lively, fidgety self. On the flip side, some groups, like girls, might be slipping under the ADHD radar because their symptoms aren’t as “typical.”

Here’s the lowdown:

ADHD isn’t like an ear infection you can zap away. It’s more like a unique wiring job in your kid’s brain. Once you ditch the stigma, having a diagnosis is like finding a secret passage to services that can make your child’s journey a bit smoother.

But how do you explain this all to your kid?

A top tip when it comes to talking about ADHD with your kid, is to keep it real. Every brain is like a unique engine. Some rev high, and that’s totally cool, but sitting still might not be their jam. Fast-moving thoughts and talkativeness? Those are signs of a high-rev engine.

Kick off with your kid’s strengths. Distraction and jumping into action? Superpowers! But sometimes, these strengths can make certain things feel trickier.

Emphasise the good stuff. Some kids with ADHD rock at social skills and creativity.

And here’s the takeaway:

ADHD is just a term to describe how their unique engine runs. Not bad, not wrong – just different. A bit like having a turbo-charged mind, you know, like a Ferrari with bicycle brakes.

Let’s talk about treatment for ADHD.

We can extend the Ferrari metaphor – it’s like driving a race car. Special strategies and support (cue the pit crew) help the driver stay in control.

When it comes to explaining about medication, we can liken it to making lemonade. If the brain’s chemicals are a wonky lemonade mix, meds just balance things out. Just like getting hiking boots for a mountain climb. It’s about making the journey easier, not changing who your kid is.

Have small, meaningful chats about brain differences with your child. You can even throw in your own quirks, like needing to doodle to help you understand things.

So, there you have it – download the free printable to help you have that laid-back convo with your ADHD rockstar.

References:

Boshomane, T., Pillay, B., & Meyer, A. (2020). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and behavioural planning deficiencies in South African primary school children. South African Journal of Psychiatry, 26, 7 pages. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v26i0.1411

To ADHD or not to ADHD, Part 2: ADHD in the South African Context (2017, December 01). Retrieved from https://jvrafricagroup.co.za/blog/adhd-not-adhd-part-2-adhd-south-african-context

Amod Z, Vorster A and Lazarus K (2013) Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as a Barrier to Learning and Development within the South African Context: The Perspective of Teachers. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents. InTech. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/53784.