It takes a lot of courage to admit that something is not quite right. As a parent and you feel that about your child’s behavior, it is terrifying. You become overwhelmed with emotions;

• Guilt – “Did I/we do something to make him/her this way?”

• Sadness – “Will he/she ever live a normal life?”

• Frustration – “I just want to scream until someone hears me and will help me.”

• Anger – This might be the toughest emotion to admit but one that is also the most common. “What did I/we do to deserve this?”

• Fear – “I’m afraid and just can’t do this anymore.”

These are just a handful of emotions and thoughts you might feel while raising a child with developmental, social or emotional behavior differences. Many parents feel alone and hopeless, without knowing that change can begin with their own reaction, approach and parenting philosophy. Yes, behaviors may remain that require the assistance of a pediatric occupational therapist, psychologist or doctor, but it is important to remember that you have more power than you realize.

This article is written specifically for children with ADHD but the advice is applicable to many children and a wide variety of diagnoses. We encourage all parents to take a moment to read it and see if there is a glimmer of information you can utilize with your child. We are a cumulation of all the information acquired along the way. Unfortunately, there is never just one article, doctor or therapist with all the answers but there is hope. And, there is help. Talking to your pediatrician, child’s teacher or OTs at AZ+A will open doors for you that you never knew existed. You are not in this alone.