To parents of children with ADHD: I have been reluctant to ‘label’ my second child aged 6, for years, although I have severely struggled with his personality forever really. I have a tendency to blame myself for everything. I’ve TRIED to be as sensitive and patient as I can, whilst being as consistent with rules and routine as possible but whatever I do he is such hard work and our family life revolves around minimising his frequent ‘outbursts’. I’m not joking I think I may have damaged my eardrums! He can be adorable and contains his really explosive behaviour in public and isn’t really bad at school. He’s quite self conscious and I think he tries hard to be ‘good’. I’m now suffering with serious anxiety and depression, and am a single parent. He really struggles academically but seems so intelligent in other ways. He has a very low frustration tolerance and is so stubborn. Lately I’ve realised it’s impulsiveness. And inability to regulate emotions. During and after a huge tantrum he gets soo upset and says he hates himself, and I feel it’s because he just can’t control himself.
He’s not really hyperactive, and can hyperfocus on things he likes, but copying 3 short sentences for homework is like pulling teeth and he gets really distressed. He gets so angry and I’ve seen all of this frustration in him since the day he was born. Bedtimes are still horrendous and I dread them daily, he didn’t sleep through til he was 3.
He lives in a safe, loving environment and although I’m sure my parenting is far from perfect I try bloody hard to do things right, stay calm and ive bought ALL the parenting books but it’s not working. I realise my my mental health will have an impact no matter how hard I try to keep it from them.
Because he is ‘ok’ at school I’m struggling to be taken seriously.
Not after parenting advice but does this sound like it could be adhd to you?