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The Gifts of ADHD

February 8th, 2015

By looking at a diagnosis of ADHD as a unique gift, rather than a deficit, would be a major shift that would help both you and your child. Work with your child’s gifts, rather than against them.

Five Gifts of ADHD:

  • 1. Creativity – Gifted in imagination & original thought. Impulsivity and distractibility are required for creativity. They are useful in thinking outside the box.
    Tip: Tell your child that when he/she is tempted to daydream during school, write it down and save it for a special daydreaming session at home.
  • 2. Attunement to nature – ADHD symptoms were relieved by time spent in nature, especially green settings.
    Tip: Give him/her time in nature before beginning homework or household chores.
  • 3. Interpersonal intuition – Highly sensitive, attuned and connected to others.
    Tip: Help your child become aware of the emotion he/she feels. Help him/her figure out whose emotions he is picking up. Help him/her communicate his/her sensitivity to the person.
  • 4. Energetic enthusiasm – This energy makes your child exuberant, charismatic and fun to be around. The challenge is learning to focus his/her high levels of energy to fuel productive accomplishments & achieve goals.
    Tip: Knowing what your child is good at and what he/she struggles with, you can begin to channel his/her energy in productive ways.
  • 5. Emotional sensitivity – This increases your child’s capacity to connect with and care for others. The challenge is learning to monitor & manage these emotions as they emerge.
    Tip: Help your child find positive ways to express emotions or to ask for help when needed.

Above all, stay positive! Rather than punishing unwanted behavior, focus on positive reinforcement. This is especially important for a child diagnosed with ADHD, because their behavior is not usually willful. This child likely experiences rejection and failure at school and desperately needs a safe place at home where he/she can feel accepted for who he/she is. By being patient & understanding, you will improve your relationship with your child.