Raising Boys With ADHD

1. Remember that your son has probably heard far more negative comments than positive ones. Look for areas where you can offer genuine encouragement.
2. What are your son’s natural strengths or talents? List them, let him know, and post them where they are visible. Together identify one activity or experience you can provide to build upon those strengths.
3. Write a letter about your son’s ADHD and deliver it to all appropriate individuals or have a discussion with the people who need to know.
4. Begin to establish a support system for yourself by enlisting the help of caring professionals (e.g., counselors, physicians, teachers), researching support groups, and continuing to read and learn about ADHD.

Putting on the Brakes: Understanding and Taking Control of Your ADD or ADHD(Patricia O. Quinn & Judith M. Stern)
Cory Stories: A Kid’s Book About Living With ADHD(Jeanne Kraus)

She grew up without brothers and didn’t always get his behavior

Your son has gifts that can take him far and help him have a happy and satisfying adult life. It’s our job as parents of boys with ADHD to nurture those talents.

Boys with ADHD often have strengths in many areas.

If your child is a C student in reading, perhaps you should be OK with that. Instead of spending hours and hours working with tutors, DVDs, and worksheets in an attempt to mold him into an A-level reader, spend time building on his strengths instead.

advised parents not to focus on weaknesses but to find, build, and nurture their children’s strengths.

Many argue that ADHD is a gift because individuals with ADHD often have talents that others lack and a high-energy level that enables them to accomplish many things.

So when canADHD become a blessing? When your son’s natural talents are harnessed in the right direction, ADHD can be a gift at any age.

that puberty or maturation changes types of ADHD behaviors for some boys. According to Silver (1999), “About 40–50 percent of children with ADHD will improve or no longer have ADHD after puberty”