Written by Emily Najemy, Parent Coach
Emily Najemy is an aspiring thought leader in the realm of conscious parenting, and challenges consumers to explore and discuss the systems and institutions that strongly call for corrective parenting re-education.
Parenting can be a rollercoaster, especially when both parent and child have ADHD. This dynamic brings unique challenges, but it also opens up opportunities for growth, empathy, and deeper connection.
Navigating the parent-child ADHD relationship: Challenges, empathy, and growth
Parenting is a complex journey filled with moments of love, frustration, joy, and worry. When both a parent and child have ADHD, this journey can be even more challenging. ADHD, characterized by difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and more, adds an extra layer to the parent-child relationship. These shared struggles create obstacles, and they also open doors to empathy and healing when approached with care.
The challenges of ADHD in both parent and child
When both parent and child experience focus issues, impulsivity, emotional hypersensitivity, and overstimulation, conflict can arise frequently. Everyday tasks like getting ready for school or completing homework can become battlegrounds. For instance, a child who can’t sit still might push boundaries, while a parent struggling to manage their own focus might react impulsively, leading to spirals of guilt and frustration.
In some cases, both the parent and child may feel emotionally drained, with each party wanting to connect but feeling overwhelmed. The parent may struggle with distractions or sensitivity to noise, while the child craves attention but can’t express it effectively. Without proper tools to manage these moments, emotional distance can grow. Consider a scenario where a child is restless during homework time, and the parent, feeling frustrated, responds with impatience.
This, although a natural dynamic, can lead to a cycle of misunderstandings and emotional disconnection over time if not addressed.
The emotional toll of unaddressed ADHD
When ADHD symptoms are left unmanaged, both parent and child can experience negative emotional consequences. A parent may feel inadequate, questioning their ability to support their child, while the child may feel unseen or unheard. These unresolved emotions can erode the parent-child bond, leading to feelings of isolation, anxiety, or depression. If neither party feels understood, both may drift emotionally, further complicating their relationship. The mental health of both parent and child can suffer if the underlying ADHD symptoms aren't recognized and addressed.
The hidden strength in a shared struggle
However, ADHD can also be a foundation for empathy and mutual understanding. Parents and children with ADHD may relate to one another in ways that others cannot. A parent who understands overstimulation, frustration with focus, or emotional hypersensitivity can offer greater patience and compassion. Recognizing their own struggles in their child’s behavior allows for a more thoughtful, empathetic response.
For instance, when a parent pauses to reflect on their child’s restlessness, they can say, “I understand what you’re feeling because I’ve been there.” This approach creates opportunities for connection, validation, and emotional closeness. Both parent and child may develop a heightened empathy for others, strengthening their connection to each other and the world around them.
An opportunity for healing and growth
Parenting a child with ADHD while managing your own symptoms is undoubtedly challenging, but it also offers a unique opportunity for healing. The process of navigating these struggles can provide a path for healing for the parent, particularly if their own ADHD went unrecognized or untreated during their childhood. By addressing these issues now and utilizing empathy to move through them, a parent has the chance to create a different experience for their child, one that is a more understanding, compassionate, and connected relationship than they might have had growing up. The parent may also heal parts of their younger self, learning to approach their own ADHD with kindness and patience.
By focusing on shared struggles as opportunities for growth, parents can access and model resilience, self-acceptance, and emotional regulation. Therapy, mindfulness, structure, and open communication can help both parent and child manage their symptoms while building a stronger bond.
Getting curious about your child’s ADHD behavior: Encouraging objective observation
Pause before reacting: Before responding to a challenging situation, take a deep breath and ask yourself: What might my child be feeling right now? Consider how your own ADHD experiences might inform their behavior.
Notice patterns: Start observing when your child struggles most. Are they more distracted in the mornings? Do they get overwhelmed after school? Identifying patterns can help you understand what triggers their ADHD-related behaviors.
Reflect on shared experiences: When your child is struggling with focus or impulsivity, reflect on moments when you’ve felt the same. Think: What helps me when I feel overwhelmed or distracted? Your insight can guide how you support them.
Stay curious, not critical: Rather than labeling your child’s behavior as “bad” or “disruptive,” approach it with curiosity. Ask yourself: What need is my child expressing? Are they overstimulated, anxious, or tired? This shift in perspective can foster greater empathy.
Embrace small wins: Celebrate small improvements, both in yourself and your child. Did they focus a little longer than usual? Did you stay calm when you might’ve previously reacted? These moments matter.
Strategies for navigating ADHD challenges in parenting
Create predictable routines: ADHD thrives on structure. Set consistent times for meals, homework, and bedtime. Involve your child in creating these routines so they feel empowered by the process.
Use visual aids: Create charts, calendars, or visual timers to help both you and your child stay on task. Visual reminders are great tools for ADHD brains.
Break tasks into steps: Long lists can feel overwhelming. Help your child (and yourself) by breaking tasks into small, manageable steps. Celebrate each step completed, no matter how small.
Model emotional regulation: Show your child how you manage your own ADHD struggles. For example, when you feel overwhelmed, narrate your process: “I’m feeling really distracted right now, so I’m going to take a break and come back to this.” This shows your child it’s okay to pause and reset.
Focus on connection, not perfection: Don’t aim for a perfect household. Instead, focus on building strong emotional connections with your child. Make time for activities that help you bond, whether it’s a shared interest or a calming ritual like reading together before bed.
Plan for breaks: Both you and your child may need regular breaks to avoid overstimulation. Schedule short periods of rest between activities to recharge and refocus.
Offer choices: ADHD can sometimes make kids feel powerless. Offering simple choices such as, “Do you want to do your homework at the kitchen table or in your room?” gives them a sense of control.
Phrases to help bring your child back into connection during conflict
“I can see that you’re feeling frustrated. I’ve been there, too. Let’s take a deep breath together and figure this out.”
“It’s okay to feel upset. How about we take a break and come back to this when we’re both ready to try again?”
“I know things feel hard right now. I’m here for you, and we’re a team. Let’s work through this together.”
“I understand that you didn’t mean to [act impulsively/shout]. Let’s talk about what we can do differently next time.”
“I see you’re having a hard time focusing. Can we figure out what’s distracting you and make a plan together?”
“It looks like you might be feeling overwhelmed. Do you need some time to calm down, or do you want me to sit with you?”
“Let’s pause for a minute. I love you, and I’m here. We’ll get through this together.”
These strategies and phrases empower both you and your child to move from conflict to connection, and to navigate ADHD-related challenges with compassion and understanding. Remember, progress is about small, intentional steps forward. You’ve got this!
Conclusion: Embracing connection amidst challenges
Though ADHD presents unique challenges, it also offers an opportunity for deeper connection and understanding. By addressing these struggles together, parents and children can foster bonds of empathy and compassion. With patience and intention, the parent-child relationship can thrive, and ADHD can become a shared experience that deepens their connection rather than driving them apart. To learn more about how a parent coach could support your needs, please visit here!
Emily Najemy, Parent Coach
Emily Najemy, as the owner of Soft Eyes Intentional Parenting pushes forward to bring about that corrective re-education to consumers through parent coaching services and providing access to proper resources and support to parents and childhood professionals alike. Her goal is to aid in the cultivation of sustainable future generations of humans.
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