Parenting Kids With Neurodivergent Brains!

Parenting is full of joy and wonder – you suddenly see the world around you through the eyes of your child! Everything from little things to big things take on a new look – from bugs to holidays, you see as if you’re seeing them for the first time. It’s exciting and constantly changing – these little people have such interesting perspectives!

If you have neurodivergent kids, then the joy and wonder is often clouded by fear, confusion and frustration! Many parents that have neurodivergent kids are not prepared for what comes with kids that have these types of disabilities! They are often met with people who don’t understand neurodivergence, who criticize their parenting tactics or dismiss their struggles as not valid or “real”.

In addition, traditional parenting techniques often don’t work for these kiddos whose brains are wired differently! So parents are often left with lots of questions, little to no support, conflicting or lack of answers and no clue where to turn for real help.

There have been studies that show that parents who have children with neurodivergence and ADHD specifically often suffer from chronic and persistent grief and sadness. ADHD is an often mis-understood disorder and children with ADHD are often treated with disdain, frustration, impatience and criticism which adds to the sadness of their parents.

Studies have shown that children with ADHD receive an overwhelmingly large percentage of negative messages every day compared to other children.

One of the nannies that worked for me and my family when they were younger told me that my children were “faking it” and that they were just naughty kids and I was being “played”.

It’s heart-breaking to see your children struggle and add the criticism and judgement of others, it hurts my heart to think of it!

This has fueled my passion to get the real information out there about ADHD so that people start to understand, have empathy and offer helpful and constructive help and support to these littles with neurodivergent brains and those who love them!

ADHD is a brain wiring issue and is a developmental delay in the development of those brain processes responsible for self-control. Imagine having a neurodivergent brain that doesn’t help you do the things that you know you should be doing and then being criticized and judged for something you don’t have control over! We don’t criticize children who need glasses, we just give them the tools they need and move on! Why can’t we do that with neurodivergent brains as well?

There are several things that need to be addressed when parenting kids with neuro-divergent brains! Kaleidoscope Coaching and Counseling is offering programs for education, parenting education and support as well as school support for neurodivergent brains. Click here for more information on my parenting class coming soon!

Judy Richardson-Mahre, MA, ADHD-CCSP
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
ADHD Expert & Coach
Parent Coach
Educator
612.930.3903