Helping
the ADHD Child Recover from Mistakes
 After
years of dealing with attention difficulties, on a bad day
the ADHD child might feel like he or she can’t do anything
right. When you combine attention difficulties with a fear
of failure, it’s not surprising that a child with ADHD
could feel unmotivated. These feelings are all connected with
ADHD and self-esteem
issues.
However,
don’t let your ADHD child buy into the idea that he
or she is incapable or incompetent. As a parent, you can guard
against low self-esteem and defeatism. There are many ways
you can teach your child how to recover from mistakes or misfortunes,
such as:
- Remind your child of
the things he or she has already accomplished such as
learning to walk, talk, get dressed, go to school, etc.
These were not easy feats, yet your child learned how
to do them at a very young age!
- Some people refuse
to use the word “mistake,” replacing it with
the word “opportunity.” That’s because
mistakes are an opportunity for learning. Teach this theory
to your child and find as many learning opportunities
for your child as possible. The ADHD child has ADHD
in the classroom and outside of the classroom ...
show your child that learning can happen anywhere at anytime,
not just in school.
- Also look for examples
of famous people who had setbacks, such as Abraham Lincoln
and Thomas Edison. These people learned from their mistakes
and used them to achieve greatness. Your child can do
the same!
- Move your child past
perfectionism by teaching your child that nothing is perfect.
Mistakes, accidents, and bad luck are inevitable, but
they don’t mean you’re a bad person. On the
contrary, adversity actually makes you a more experienced,
compassionate person.
In
addition to the above lessons, raise the level of warmth and
affection in your home. Hugs and quiet conversations help
children to feel more at ease and calm during stressful events.
Also maintain normal routines, which promote a sense of stability
for your children.
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