How to Protect or Improve Your ADHD Child’s Self-Esteem

Does your child have ADHD? Have you been told that other children make fun of them? Perhaps it’s hard for your child to make friends. ADHD can lead to negative life outcomes if left untreated as your child grows.

Dr. Charles Niesen and our team at AMS Neurology in Pasadena, California, provide professional treatment for children with ADHD as well as help parents understand their child’s condition and how to best support them. 

Children with ADHD often suffer from poor self-esteem. They may hear a stream of “No, don’t do that” from adults. Lack of positive reinforcement erodes their self-confidence. The following are ways you can help boost your child’s self-esteem. 

Spend time and play with your child to form a strong bond 

Because your child with ADHD may receive negative reinforcement from teachers, other children, and adults, it’s critical to build a strong emotional bond to create a buffer and safe place. 

Building strong emotional bonds takes time. Be sure to spend quality time with your child that fosters reciprocal interaction. Play silly games to get them laughing. Engage them as you do household tasks. Have a pillow fight or play hide and seek as you put the sheets on the bed. Start a competition to see who can put away toys faster. 

Engage your child in holiday rituals like making decorations or wrapping presents. Create traditions on birthdays. As your child grows, have them take the lead in keeping your traditions. 

Identify your child’s strengths and encourage them 

Many children with ADHD also have learning disabilities, which make school more difficult for them. While your child may or may not excel in school, they still have strengths. 

Help your child discover their strengths by trying different hobbies, sports, and other types of activities. Perhaps your child is musical and has a budding voice. They may like to build model airplanes. 

These strengths can turn into powerful careers. Explore different avenues to provide opportunities to develop their strengths, whether it’s joining a group of hobbyists or purchasing a musical instrument and starting lessons. 

Gain school support to provide learning options

Does your child struggle in school? Is it difficult for them to complete homework? Take steps to give them the support they need to be successful in school. Work with the school to make specific accommodations to help them succeed. Your child is likely entitled to 504 accommodations or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). 

In classes with IEP students, teachers often place class notes online. If your teen has dyslexia and can’t read long books, they can listen to audiobooks. Your child may have difficulty writing. Learning to use a keyboard can help them complete assignments. 

Recognize and celebrate progress toward goals 

Your young child with ADHD needs structure and routine to handle oversized emotions and activity levels. 

Create a weekly chart with your child that lists tasks to be done each day, such as brushing teeth, washing hands, and helping with specific chores. Check off each item they complete every day. Celebrate their wins with a treat or fun activity at the end of the week. 

Provide positive reinforcement when your child completes a task or meets a goal. Tell them “Good job” or “I can count on you” to bolster their self-esteem. 

Dr. Niesen and our team at AMS Neurology provide resources to you, the parent, to help ensure your child with ADHD develops their strengths and handles their weaknesses with grace. We develop a comprehensive plan of treatment that focuses on your child’s psychological and physical health. 

Call AMS Neurology or book an appointment online today if your child has ADHD.