28. How to talk to them
Children pick up on shame fast, and how you frame this matters more than the exact words. Start from curiosity rather than worry.
Do say
- "Your brain works in a really interesting way."
- "Lots of people have ADHD, including many successful ones."
- "We can work out what helps you."
- "Tell me what feels hard at school."
Don't say
- "You just need to try harder."
- "Other kids manage it fine."
- "I'm worried something's wrong with you."
- "Stop making excuses."