Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) doesn’t just affect the individual. It affects the entire family, according to Mark Bertin, MD, a board-certified developmental behavioral pediatrician and author of The Family ADHD Solution.
Parents of kids with ADHD not only have to navigate a complex neurological disorder, but they also have to contend with criticism and judgment from others, he said.
For instance, parents might be told that ADHD doesn’t exist or that their child’s disorder is their fault. Or they’re criticized for putting their kids on medication.
Not surprisingly, studies show that parents of kids with ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety, depression, relationship problems and divorce, among other issues, Dr. Bertin said.
That’s why focusing on ADHD’s effect on parents is critical. Without it, “we aren’t addressing ADHD fully,” he said.
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plus a lot of parents with ADD kids have ADD themselves, which doesn’t always make life any easier.
Thanks for posting.
This is such sage advice, and still it’s amazing to me how easy it is to fall back into old patterns no matter how much we intend not to or work on being more conscious.
It’s affirming to hear that we are not alone – this is a common theme that I hear from my clients every day, and experience routinely in my own life.
When it comes down to “those moments” we are often so tired and overwhelmed that everything seems like a threat. It’s virtually impossible to “STOP” because all we can see as options are to fight back or run away.
Would love to hear any additional thoughts you would share on how to break that cycle.
Ultimately, sometimes it is more about forgiving ourselves when we loose it, and being willing to try it again.