Parenting Lessons: Why Praising Your Child with ADHD Matters

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are known to be exceptionally creative; they naturally think outside the box and are always exploring new ideas. They are also determined problem solvers; they can hyper-focus on a particular challenge, refusing to stop until the ‘mystery’ is unraveled. However, children with ADHD are more likely to be noticed by other people, including their parents, because of their differences. While there’s nothing wrong with trying to correct traits such as impulsiveness, disorganization, or impatience, concentrating too much on their shortcomings could eventually affect their self-esteem.

It then becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy: if you constantly tell children with ADHD that they are lazy, they will become discouraged to try not to be. Moreover, they will become too discouraged even to notice what they are passionate about and excel in.

Experts are not saying that parents should avoid criticizing their child with ADHD. Instead, they should temper criticisms by recognizing and verbally praising what their child does well. Children with ADHD are more likely to succeed in life if they focus on their talents and constantly strengthen them. Encouraging children with ADHD, and empowering them the right way, will make an impact on their self-esteem and allow them to flourish in their home and school environments.

Discovering their strengths

If you have a child with ADHD, how can you tell your child is good at something? Observe. Pay close attention to what your child does well and any circumstances that allow your child to thrive and find joy.

This process of discovery should begin even before a child starts to show preferences or special abilities. As a parent, it’s essential that you firmly believe that your child has strengths and that their success is possible despite ADHD.

Talk to your child about their passions and interests, even if these have nothing to do with your vision of what success should look like for them. Giving your child the opportunity to pursue their passions boosts their confidence.

It helps to enroll your child in an ADHD boarding school like Currey Ingram Academy. From academics to social activities, arts, and athletics, Currey Ingram Academy can provide life-changing opportunities wherein students with learning differences can discover their “why.”

Collaborate with your child’s teachers – sometimes, teachers are the first to recognize their strengths.

How to encourage and praise a child who has ADHD

Praising everything your child does 24/7 robs the praise of its impact; it loses its sincerity and authenticity. On the other hand, if you reserve praise for truly exceptional moments, you might lose the opportunity to draw your child out of their shell and explore their potential even further.

The key to striking a balance, then, is positive reinforcement. Praise your child during instances of good behavior or when they can follow directions. Be specific in your praise; define the right thing they did and why it merited an award. Phrases such as “Thank you,” “Good work,” and “I like how you did that” help to keep the experience of positive reinforcement fresh for a child. 

Ultimately, it’s up to you as parents to help your child make the most of their abilities. Don’t be afraid to try lots of things. Analyze what works and what doesn’t, and realize that strengths can change with time.

Currey Ingram Academy is an ADHD boarding school that supports and empowers students with learning differences to achieve their fullest potential – academically and socially – within an environment that fosters holistic student development. Get in touch by calling (615) 507-3173.