What Do You See?

I think it’s all about perception.

What do you see?

Do you see a magical, mystical, beautiful creature? Capable of flight, dreams and fantasy.

Or do you see a white horse with a horn stuck on it’s head with ridiculous pastel colours and random glitter?

Same picture. Different ways of seeing and noticing.

Now let’s think about our beautiful children with ADHD.

What do you think some teachers may see?

They may notice the unwanted behaviour and just see the negative.

They may notice a child who is daydreaming and not paying attention.

Or a child who is jumping out of their seat constantly.

Or a child who cannot stop talking.

Or a child not focussed in their work.

Or a child who always seems to be getting into dangerous situations.

But look at that child through a unicorn lens…

They are not daydreaming – they are thinking about some fantastic ideas, new ways to do things, imaginative creations.

They are jumping out of their seat as they have noticed a glue stick without its lid. Or know that their body needs a movement break as they’ve lost focus.

They are talking to their friend because they want to share an idea or need clarification as they missed an instruction (that pesky dreaming again!)

They may lose focus on work that is too hard or too boring, but if they can hyperfocus on something they’re interested in, they will produce some outstanding work.

They may be fearless and loves taking risks, so make this child a leader or give them a challenge and they will flourish.

A child with ADHD needs help, support and kindness

The way we respond to a child with ADHD makes all the difference how they feel about themselves.

If we treat them as an amazing, magical unicorn who is fun, smart and spontaneous then they will grow up with a sense of positive self-worth.

If we treat them with anger, blaming and shaming (you’re nothing but an ugly horse) then they will grow up with negative self-belief and feeling worthless and damaged.

Children with ADHD today are very fortunate

Today we know better. We know that ADHD is a real neurological condition. If we all help our children, make them advocate for themselves and notice the positives, they stand a very good chance of a happy future.

Love,