As school starts, ADHD kids approach it in basically two different ways.
One way is: I’m going to do great this year! I’m going to be organized, do all my homework, study for tests, do the best job I can.
Then, there are the kids who say “I’ll just see what happens. I just don’t want to fail.
I want to do enough to get by.” These two different attitudes definitely influence how focused a person will be. The first attitude is similar to athletes preparing for “the big game.” These athletes are super focused and will do whatever it takes to win.
The second attitude is more like athletes who put out just enough effort to “not lose.” They are hoarding their energy rather than putting it all out there. They are walking a fine line; anything can tip them over from success to failure.
Unfortunately, many ADHDers have a hard time starting the school year dreaming of (and working toward) success as they have struggled so much that they have a hard time envisioning it. So that sets the tone for the year.
How do you get your ADHDer to work for the championship rather than eke out a “not lose” kind of a year?
Check out this podcast hosted by Griffin Rouse, a therapist who absolutely loves to treat kids with ADHD behavioral challenges.
We talked about loads of different topics–from what ADHD is, to how dopamine is involved, to how the medications for ADHD work. And we talked about motivation!
Hopefully this will be a great year for all! Enjoy!