Our children are easy to write off as disrespectful, lazy, and even hopeless. They are none of those things, but they will challenge you. And if you take up that challenge — and recognize the incredible potential for growth just waiting to burst out — you may just be a part of something magical.
Children with ADHD are hard to manage. Children with ADHD have difficulty following instructions. Children with ADHD always appear to be not listening, not paying attention, fidgeting, not focusing. Children with ADHD have little self-control; they are ruled by impulsive behavior and gestures. Children with ADHD often see themselves as not good enough — as failures. Children with ADHD…. the list is endless and I don’t think I need to add more because, as they sit in your classroom or play in your team, you are seeing all of this and so much more.
But here is what I want you to know about these children:
- Life is not easy for them; they struggle day in and day out.
- They know what they are doing is wrong, but most times they simply can’t stop themselves.
- They really want to please you, but they are not very good at reading body language or knowing when enough is enough.
- They lack confidence and need constant positive reinforcement to know that they are on the right track.
- They are not willingly being disruptive or misbehaving.
- Life is challenging for them and what they need the most is understanding, patience, encouragement, and acceptance.
We can only develop and improve our skills when we are challenged and pushed to our limits. These children will do just that to you if you view them in the correct light. They are portals for tremendous growth.
