Hearts for ADHD
Show your ADHD child or partner some love, with this advice from our ADHD therapists
ADHD experts estimate that kids with ADHD get 20,000 more negative messages by the time they turn 12 than kids who don’t have ADHD! That’s a LOT of negativity!
Take a moment and think through your day so far. How many times have you asked your loved one with ADHD to behave differently today? Or reminded them to do something? Told them they were interrupting, being too loud, or working too slowly?
There are so many things we ask our family members with ADHD to do (or NOT do). Teachers, coaches, and others are doing it too. These statements or requests happen in the blink of an eye. They are almost automatic. And they repeat day after day.
Do you also make time to share what you like about your ADHD family member? Most of us don’t. At least not enough. And definitely not as much as you redirect them. That’s just the reality of life with ADHD. And that reality, paired with the hypersensitivity to criticism that sometimes comes with ADHD, can add up to pretty low self esteem.
Your ADHD child or partner is hurting. Our Maryland therapists know what to do!
Try giving “Hearts for ADHD” this February. This strategy works for anyone, but especially for those with ADHD. Why? People with ADHD can be hypersensitive to positive feedback! A compliment from you can really make their day.
And there’s so much to compliment them about. ADHD is a superpower. Your ADHD family member is probably creative and funny. They might be able to connect ideas in ways you never thought of. Or empathize deeply with others.
Your positive attention is therapeutic for your ADHD child or partner
Today, take a few moments to share some of the little (and BIG) things that you love about your child or partner. All it takes is a heart and a pen.
Print our ready-made hearts here (or make your own).
Write something you love about your loved one.
Deliver your heartfelt message and see what happens next!
“Just as a little negativity can tumble into anxiety and panic, a drop of praise can build into a tsunami of hope and motivation.“
-Dr. Hallowell and Dr. Ratey
Even when Valentines Day has come and gone, your child or partner needs your love. Consider using the hearts all year long! Write messages to your loved one in each heart. Deliver a heart a day, every week, or give your hearts all at once. And lastly, see where that positivity takes you!
Compliment starters from our ADHD Therapists
Having trouble getting started? Try one of these.
I love how you…
You have a talent for…
I’m so happy when I see you…
Your superpower is…
You add ___________ to my life (or our family).
You work so hard to…
Your ___________ makes me smile.
We are ADHD therapists, offering counseling and therapy in Maryland for adults with ADHD, children with ADHD, and their families.
Reach out today for more personalized support.
