This reply was originally posted by user adhdmomma in ADDitude’s now-retired community.
I feel like it’s healthier for a child to know there’s a reason outside their control for their struggles. Otherwise, they assume they’re “bad”, “broken”, or “stupid”. That is very detrimental.
You can certainly frame it with positivity, instead of approaching it as though there’s something wrong with her. She has a different brain—that is disabling, but it’s also simply different, not broken.
Here’s how other parents discuss ADHD with their kids:
https://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/9898.html
And here’s how Dr. Hallowell recommends telling your child they have ADHD: https://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/911.html
As for medication, it can help a great deal, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. My suggestion is to learn all your can about ADHD medication, so you can make an informed decision when it’s time to consider it.
https://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1592.html
https://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/856.html
https://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/5253.html
Penny
ADDconnect Moderator, Author on Parenting ADHD, Mom to teen boy with ADHD, LDs, and autism