10 ADHD Truths Your Child Wishes they Could Tell You (But Can’t)
Photo by Jason Rosewell from Unsplash
Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you choose to click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Hey there!
Parenting a child with ADHD can feel like navigating uncharted waters.
I know how hard you’re trying.
I see you doing all the things—reading, asking questions, Googling at midnight—just trying to figure out how to help your kid.
We’ve all been there, sitting on the kitchen floor after another meltdown, wondering, Why is this so hard? What am I missing?
Here are 10 heartfelt insights from people with ADHD that can help you better understand your child’s world:
You’ve reminded them—again—to start their homework, but they’re still staring blankly as if the paper is a puzzle they can’t solve.
It may seem like they’re ignoring you, but there’s more to it than that.
In their head, they might be silently shouting:
“I know I’m supposed to do this. I want to make you happy. But I don’t know how to get moving.”
This isn’t stubbornness or laziness; it’s like trying to run a marathon through quicksand.
And trust me, no one’s more frustrated about it than they are.
➕Try this 18 Genius Math Tips to Boost Concentration and Confidence in Kids
1. They Want to Do the Thing—They Just Can’t
Tasks like putting away toys or doing their homework might feel overwhelming to your child, not because they’re hard, but because their brain sees them as a massive, crashing wave of responsibility.
Maybe your child would like to say:
'I don’t know how to start, and it’s so scary that I just stand there, stuck. I just need you to help me break that wave into smaller splashes so I can handle it.'
2. Simple Chores Feel Like Giant Waves
You ask what they want for a snack, and they freeze.
It might look like indecision, but what’s really going on is their brain is in overdrive:
“Cookies or cake?! I don’t know!!! They’re both good!”
For kids with ADHD, even small choices can feel huge.
Their brain experiences cognitive overload, where even small decisions feel urgent or high-stakes.
This makes it hard for them to prioritize and can lead to indecision or stress. Simple, clear choices could help reduce that pressure.
3. They’re Torn Between Choices
When you’re talking to them and they don’t seem to respond, it’s not that they’re ignoring you.
It’s more like they’re hearing everything at once: your voice, the dog barking, the TV, the wind outside.
This happens because their brain, especially the prefrontal cortex (responsible for focus), struggles to filter out distractions.
Their brain doesn’t always know how to focus on just one thing.
4. “I Hear You—But Also Everything Else”
Ever notice them switching topics mid-sentence or jumping from one idea to the next?
That’s their brain running at full speed, trying to juggle a million thoughts all at once. It’s like their brain just can’t slow down.
This happens because their brain processes things faster and often has trouble filtering out distractions.
It’s like having a Ferrari brain with bike brakes—so much energy, but not always the control they need.
5. “My Brain Never Stops”
Sometimes they trail off or stumble over words, and you’re left wondering, What are they trying to tell me?
Their brain is moving faster than their mouth, and they’re trying to catch up.
It’s really frustrating for them, too.
6. “I Know What I Want to Say… But It Gets Stuck”
ADHD isn’t just about focus—it’s about big feelings that can flood their little hearts, bursts of energy that feel impossible to contain, and moments when the world feels too loud or overwhelming.
When they’re melting down, it’s not because they’re “acting out.”
It’s because everything inside feels too big, too fast, and too out of control.
They’re not trying to upset us—they’re asking for our help...
7. “I’m Not Just Distracted”
Ever catch them humming the same song all day long or randomly blurting out a memory from years ago?
It’s not just randomness—it’s their way of coping with all the noise in their head.
8. They Need to Repeat Stuff to Stay Grounded
You gently say, "Hey, you missed a spot," thinking it’s no big deal.
But before you know it, they’re in tears, and you’re left wondering what just happened.
Your child would like to say something like this:
"When you said I missed a spot, it felt like everything got too big all of a sudden.
I wasn’t mad at you, I just got really overwhelmed.
If you could say something like 'You’re doing great, let’s fix it together,' it helps me feel better and less scared."
9. Criticism Feels Like the End of the World
Their favorite t-shirt is missing, but you know it’s in the drawer.
For them, though, it’s out of sight, out of mind.
That’s because kids with ADHD often have trouble with visual working memory, meaning if they don’t see something, it’s easy to forget about it.
Your child might say, “I couldn’t find it anywhere! If it was right in front of me, I would’ve remembered it!”
10. “If I Don’t See It, It Doesn’t Exist”
I know it’s hard!
Some days it feels like you’re doing everything wrong, but you’re not.
You’re learning.
You’re showing up.
And that matters more than anything!
Our kids aren’t trying to make life harder—they’re just navigating a world that feels overwhelming.
They need us to be their safe place, their advocate, their cheerleader.
You’re exactly what your child needs. 💕
🌟Keep reading for more helpful insights!
Have a wonderful day, and keep being the amazing parents that you are!
Ana @ DdL Mom
We'd love to hear from you!
Share your thoughts, questions or ideas in the comments below 😊
Tracing, Rhyming, and Coloring Fun!
My First Math Book for Learning Numbers 0 - 10
Valentine's Day Coloring Book
Letter tracing practice ages 2-5)
Toddler Halloween Coloring & Number Tracing Book
Bold, Easy, Spooky Stuff + Learning Numbers Activities for Kids Ages 3+
MY BOOKS 🤩
I really appreciate you taking the time to read this article!
Want more stories? Keep exploring with us!
If you want to keep the good vibes coming, join our email squad and get fresh articles delivered straight to your inbox – on the house!
Dulce de Leche Mom is created with💗 by Ana on Hostinger
COPYRIGHT © 2025
I'm Ana, an Introverted Mom who strongly believes toddlers are life's greatest teachers.
My passions:
Architecture as a tool to shape our emotions and experiences,
Everything related to the brain and Neurodiversity,
Cheese in all its forms,
Traveling to discover new cultures,
Shaping tiny objects with Air-Dry clay with my daughter. Check out our YouTube Channel.