Telling My Child - Should I Tell My Child He or She has ADD/ADHD?

By Stuart Ackerman  MSc.Ed.,B.A.

     I think that most parents wouldn’t hide another type of  condition from their child.  When I say ‘condition’, I am referring to physical and mental challenges, illnesses, and differences.   Explain to your child that his or her ADD is not a label; rather it is a challenge that your family will work on and try to overcome together.

    Make it clear to your child that he or she shouldn’t be ashamed or embarrassed of it.  Explain to your child that his or her brain is working in a different way than some of the other kids and that everyone has something about themselves that is different. 

     You can choose to make your child’s ADD/ADHD private or public.  By keeping it private, you are protecting your family’s privacy which is understandable.  It is also understandable when families make their child’s ADD/ADHD public.  By doing so, you are empowering your child by showing him that it is nothing to be ashamed of. 

     Either way, your child is the one who should not feel ashamed.  Focus on your child’s strengths and give him or her confidence to do his or her best to stay in control.

     “Nobody is good at everything, but everyone is good at something.”