My Favorite Things about ADHD | ADHD Parent Coach
If you have been following me for a while, you will know that I can get pretty particular about how I use my words. Especially those related to ADHD. The idea of ADHD as a “diagnosis” often does at least one of the following things.
Getting diagnosed brings up the idea of a sickness that needs to be cured, or changed, or corrected. Sure, life can be a little easier for children when they can fit into what society as named “normal”. But that isn’t always the best way to raise a happy child or create a more peaceful home life. And the other thing that I see is parents (and, in turn, their kids) take on ADHD as an identity. The reality is that ADHD is a description. It is just a way of describing how your child’s nervous system works. It is a way to understand how they process the world.
Part of my coaching process is to discover, then honor, those things that your child may see or do differently from you and to celebrate the MANY things that are great about having an ADHD-based nervous system. Here are some of my favorite things!
Creativity
I’m not talking just painting, music, acting, etc. Sure, many of the children with an ADHD-based nervous system are artistically inclined. My middle son certainly fits that description. But there are so many other ways you child can demonstrate his creativity.
Because their brains are constantly paying attention to pretty much everything that is going on around them, they are creative problem solvers! Their brains aren’t limited to traditional ways of doing things and have often developed interesting and efficient ways get things done.
This also means that their busy brains are constant idea generators. And they are also very resourceful. They see potential everywhere and are fantastic at using those things in new and exciting ways.
Hyper Focus
Yes, I know that as a parent it can be so frustrating when her new obsession is all she wants to talk about!! And you can’t remember the last time he has eaten because he is locked in his room working on his newest hobby.
But how amazing is it that she has become an expert in a new topic in overnight? Or that you wake up one day to discover you have a budding carpenter in your house? And you never know when one of these “hyper-focus hobbies” can become a life-long passion.
Don’t freeze during chaos
ADHD-based brains have this amazing ability to see the core of problem and not get distracted by the outside details. And that impulsivity that annoys you during church? It is invaluable during an emergency. Seeing clearly what needs to be done without having to plan out their actions makes them incredible during emergencies or other chaotic situations.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
One of the things that I value most in my boys is their ability to consistently believe that anything possible. This makes them more willing to take risks where others would talk themselves out of it. They also have a unique way of seeing the world and are willing to fight for what they believe in. This passion and the seemingly endless energy make people with ADHD fantastic at inspiring and motivating others.
Fun to be around
You know how it can be. Some days, you wake up and just kind of feel “blah”. So many times, all it takes to turn that around is a short conversation with one of my kids. It is usually the simplest thing, like him responding, “I think dinosaurs actually did have feathers”, when I asked whether or not he wanted eggs for breakfast. We both start giggling and poof, I am smiling again.
Also, their unique way of seeing the world makes for some of the most interesting conversations I have ever had. And their spontaneity and energy are just so much fun to be around!
What are some of your favorite things about your child’s ADHD? Let me know. And don’t forget to share this with anyone you think will enjoy it.
P.S. Interested in hearing more? Check out my YouTube channel to watch a couple of interviews I did with 2 college students about what their life is like with ADHD.
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