Building self-esteem in kids with ADHD — Ryan Wexelblatt (ADHD Dude)

In Cognitive Behavior Therapy there is a term “thought distortion” which is a thought that is not based in facts and causes emotional distress.

The idea that parents can protect their child’s self-esteem through protecting them from discomfort (and in many cases, reality) is a major thought distortion that I hear regularly from parents of kids with ADHD.

Throughout my career, I’ve found the outgrowth of this thought distortion include:

-Kids who behave profoundly immature at home, yet not at school.

-Viewing anyone who holds them accountable as a “bad guy”, such as teachers.

-Kids who do not recognize their ability to engage in independent problem solving and self-advocacy.

-Significant over-dependence on parents or parent/child co-dependence.

-Inflexibility towards new experiences.

-Lack of confidence in their potential.

-Anxiety is accommodated, which causes anxiety to grow.

This is not something I’ve ever read in a book yet it’s something I’ve witnessed for years, and have had countless conversations about with people who work with kids with neurodevelopmental challenges.

This is a topic that I believe professional shy away from, out of fear of offending parents.

I believe that all parents are doing the best they can at any given moment, with the information they have, which is why I feel it’s important to share my professional experience.

Please check out my articles & videos at my ADDitude page: https://www.additudemag.com/author/ryan-wexelblatt-lcsw/