7yo says he doesn’t like having ADHD

[hudzyb]

Any advice for how to encourage a seven-year-old? He says it’s really hard to have ADHD. He says the kids treat him differently at school/summer camp. Breaks my heart to see his sad face when he thinks about his ‘friends’ rejecting him.

[ELucas13]

One thing we've done is to try and turn it around and treat it more like a "super power" or an asset. We tell him his brain works differently and so his ideas and imagination are extra special. We tell him because of his ADHD he does these "insert interests" so well. That has been helpful. We tell him he sometimes has to work harder, but it's OK and we will figure out how to make things easier for him. We also tell him that many people have ADHD and then we can also point to famous people or even adults in his life who have ADHD that he may look up to.

[Trying1978]

So this wasn't an issue for us this past year, in Kindergarten (6.5 yo now). But I've noticed this summer a much greater reluctance to do the work we were doing before on it & a greater sense of shame about it. I'm guessing from different groups of kiddos at camps vs stable classmates & activities. It's tough! Definitely more of a realization he might be different, which is probably also true for a lot of these other kiddos, but it not like they share that!

[bear240]

Hi

I understand. Its hard.

We try to 'normalise' differences in general conversation. Just making occasional comments about others' differences or challenges in a positive way. This might be about someone being great at art and having to work hard on math or having a great brain for learning languages or having a body which is great for basketball. We are all different in different ways

My grandaughter who struggles at times told me that her classmate has diabetes so she will support her. I think she has absorbed some of this way of looking at the world

[PepperElla]

It’s SO hard to see our kids struggle! My son’s doctor explained it this way. He has a Ferrari brain with Chevy brakes! His play therapist also gave him a sheet of paper with pictures of different famous people with ADHD and asked what they had in common. Then she explained some of the characteristics of people with ADHD. I think it helped. I can try to find it and share - or you may be able to find someone via google search. Good luck!!

[Momfor4]

Find opportunities to revel in his ADHD brain. While it is a struggle, it's also what makes them so amazing. This is going to take time to change his thinking but he's still young. Make sure he knows he is the perfect [insert name here]. We are do things that aren't perfect but that's what makes my kids the "prefect [name] " I highlight their individual traits and things that make them unique. I want them to love their uniqueness. ADHD doesn't define him but it's part of him. Don't let ADHD be the enemy you are working against, make it the asset and companion that makes him unique.

[Jeco]

Hello, my son is 7 years old too, and although he has a few friends at school, sometimes they do not want to play with him, I also break my heart when he says I don't know why they don't want to play with me. I did not send him to summer camp this year, I told him that this summer was to enjoy time together, I talk a lot with my son and I tell him to give time to his friends since they are small and do not know what ADHD is and I tell him that he is very special and that his brain works differently from the rest of his companions, as Elucas13 says, I tell him that it is a super power that others still do not understand.

[Mikam1967]

Hi there. It's hurts when our kiddos hurt. For my kids, ADHD helps them with their learning in their classes, but it has the down side of constantly talking. Other kids sense my kids have a disability. So like me, people avoid us or talk not nice things.All i can share is we need to just keep encouraging our kiddos. My kiddos also see a psychologist and psychiatrist if that helps. My boys feel very comfortable talking to them and letting the doctors know what's going on. I hug my kids whenever i can, too. I hope i helped. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs, hope and encouragement.

[HoldingonLou]

This just breaks my heart. Hugs.

[Danseuse]

Poor guy. Try to get him to watch ADHD Dude on YouTube. He has a lot of great videos for parents and kids!