October is National ADD/ADHD Awareness Month, and it’s a great moment for parents of neurodivergent children to reflect and find perspective.
I know that a lot of parents can get stuck in the negative. We read and learn a lot about neurodivergence being a “superpower.” However, it’s hard to view it this way when you’re experiencing an argument or meltdown with your neurodivergent child. ADD/ADHD requires a constant need for rigidity and structure, and let’s be honest, it can sometimes feel like a time suck. It’s OK to feel this way. It’s completely normal.
I don’t live in the negative space—these thoughts are fleeting moments. My daughter has ADHD, and overall, I choose to celebrate her uniqueness, love of routine, and hyper-focus. These are the things that make her who she is; many of her upbeat personality traits are due to her neurodivergence. Here are some examples:
She doesn’t hold a grudge, mainly because the argument and anger leave her brain so fast that she can’t hold onto it.
She’s incredibly artistic and can focus on a project for hours. The beauty of what she creates always shines through.
She’s so loving. Even as an adult, she snuggles with me like no one else. She’s the only person in my life who says “I love you” whenever she speaks to me.
She’s impulsive and is my only child who is always up for adventure. If I’m debating to ride a roller coaster, I know who will get me on board.
She fixates on things, so I know she’ll eat the same breakfast over and over for two weeks straight. She doesn’t need a diverse dinner menu. She likes what she likes, and she sticks with it.
She’s hyperactive, and always has a ton of energy. She’ll come for a walk with me and talk my ear off, even when my other teens are sullen and sulky.
So, my dear friends, reframe your thoughts. Retrain your brain. Don’t think of ADHD as a challenge. Celebrate it with me. If your child is one of the 5 percent of the population with ADHD, look for the joy, not the strain. Look for the pleasure, not the pain. So many beautiful things make your child the special someone you love. I know I’m forever grateful for my daughter and the way she has impacted my life—and will continue to do so in the years to come.
Source link : https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/blog/retrain-your-brain/202410/reframing-how-we-view-neurodivergent-children
Author :
Publish date : 2024-10-15 18:29:38
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.