ADHD Kids Must Focus to Learn
“Attention problems impact future academic success”
Most children are excited about school. But for my eight-year-old daughter, school presents serious challenges. The odds are heavily stacked against her. I can see and feel her apprehension as she checks her supplies one last time. She climbs onto my lap in need of extra reassurance. As she presses herself against me, I stroke her freshly washed hair and softly tell her how much I love her. That she will succeed. In her own unique way. On her forehead there is an invisible label which reads: “ADHD.”
Do you suspect that your child has ADHD? Has your child been diagnosed with ADHD? ADHD can make a difference in your child’s life. Early attention problems in kindergarten predict poor performance in math and reading. But there are things that you can do. Research clearly shows that an early investment in attention pays off big time later on.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
Difficulty staying focused, listening to and following instructions, constantly being in motion or interrupting others, distractibility, boredom, impatience, forgetfulness, impulsivity, fidgeting. 5 Safe Roads for your ADHD Child
How parents describe their child’s ADHD challenges
1) Problems with peers: “I think the hardest thing has been my daughter’s alienation from classmates. She has a remarkable connection with younger children, older children, and adults but relating to her own age group has always been a struggle.”
2) Self-control issues: “It’s really difficult to try to separate what behaviors your child really doesn’t have control over and what behaviors they should be accountable for. Can they really control their behavior or are they blaming others because it is easier?”
3) Difficulty taking responsibility: “Kids with ADHD don’t take a lot of responsibility for their actions. They blame other people. It’s not their fault, it’s somebody else’s fault. And that’s very hard. It can be hard on the family. They’re always late, they’re always slow, they’re always moving things. That can be very difficult.” 5 Safe Roads for your ADHD Child