ADHD and Your Child: Celebrating the Champion Within

Parents frequently wrestle when it comes to uncomfortable issues with their kids such as ADHD, but we must realize that God knew them and us long before this we discovered any challenges (Jeremiah 1:5). We love our children, but can experience persistent feelings of being torn and exhausted by our response to their behaviors and symptoms that point to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

We don’t understand how to engage with their lack of focus, low frustration tolerance, or inattention to tasks at school and home. Furthermore, when we do discover that there is an ADHD diagnosis present, we may be inundated with the volumes of information, which can also leave us feeling hypersensitive and somewhat defensive. All of these are commonly experienced by parents of children who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD.

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. – Psalm 139:13, ESV

The counsel of the Lord will guide us through what could otherwise be a dizzying maze of questions and considerations. With curiosity, we can engage the support of those who engage with our children in educational and community environments. We can take an important lead in mobilizing the team who aligns with us to coach and cultivate our child’s known skills and undiscovered potential.

Embracing life’s unplanned experiences serve to unveil the colorful and vibrant lives that the Lord wants us to enjoy. We don’t only celebrate it with the Lord, but we create lasting memories and opportunities with and for our children to discover nuances of who God created them to be.

Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he grows older he will not abandon it. – Proverbs 22:6, NASB

Educate about ADHD.

While the diagnosis presents differently from one individual to the next, a basic understanding begins with acknowledging that ADHD is a behavioral condition that makes focusing on everyday requests and routines challenging. We are already intensely familiar with that. We often encounter this in our at-home activities and their school environments, if they are educated outside of the home.

We need time to gather relevant information about how our child best learns and support them directly with encouragement and indirectly with advocacy. More than ever, research and resources are available for us to read and better understand ADHD. Our proactive steps empower us to initiate and respond to our child’s needs from an educated and informed place.

Advocate.

We are often our child’s best cheerleaders. Becoming more acquainted with ADHD helps us to champion and celebrate them more effectively, from the smallest victory and progressively through each win. This serves everyone connected with our son or daughter, but especially our child.

Assessment is a first and valuable important step. Obtaining a formal and proper diagnosis illuminates where we may not see things, answers questions, and allays fears. Debriefing about results and engaging in ongoing conversations with the team of professionals that serve our child can clarify existing or potential areas of confusion.

Communicate.

We don’t have to hold back, hesitating to address concerns. We may be undecided regarding whether we should medicate our children, and if so, which of the side effects can we or they live with or without. We may be wrestling with other considerations such as if we should change classrooms or schools, or make significant moves that will impact our son or daughter in both the short and long-term.

As we share our questions, even with other parents or in a support group, we can gain insight and practical wisdom on how to move forward. While we are still in a learning process, we can piece together the knowledge that we are acquiring and embrace the Holy Spirit’s direction to best serve our children with what will serve them as well.

Next steps in handling ADHD.

While you are on this site, note the resources available to you. Select a counselor and schedule to meet. Having the right people in the places that matter can help you as a parent, even if it is also for your well-being.

You will locate what you need here to not only alleviate stress but also to help you understand how to engage and advocate for your child with ADHD. Be encouraged that God is standing up within you as a parent to activate the champion He’s made in you and your child.