It’s quite common for children with ADHD to feel bad about themselves. The condition creates challenges in all aspects of their lives—from home to school.

Getting negative feedback from all sides doesn’t help either. They get scolded by their parents for acting out. Teachers reprimand them for poor performance, and they’re teased by their peers if they don’t fit in.

Kids who have ADHD start internalizing these messages. They become so used to hearing that they’re incapable and inferior that they begin to define themselves as such over time.

Sinking self-worth and self-confidence can have serious consequences. It can lead to antisocial behavior, substance abuse, and depression. In fact, according to one survey, around 18.6% of individuals with ADHD are affected by a major depressive disorder, compared to7.8% of people without ADHD.

Now, it goes without saying that a healthy self-esteem is a need for every child. Without a strong sense of self-worth, they’ll struggle to perform academically and form healthy relationships with their peers.

If you have a child with ADHD who’s struggling with self-esteem issues, here are 5 expert tips on how you can help them build their self-confidence.

Encourage Your Child’s Strengths

Rather than pushing your child into areas of challenges, find activities that they can excel in. For instance, if your child is talented at a particular sport, or is a born athlete, encourage them to participate in those activities.

Praise Effort

Parents who have a child with ADHD should really focus on the effort rather than the outcome. Your praise and validation will motivate your child to keep working hard, even if they don’t achieve the desired results.

Identify the Lesson

Failures and setbacks should be viewed as a learning opportunity. Here’s an example: “Okay, so how did the homework get forgotten? What’s the lesson we can learn and what can we do differently next time?”

The message this delivers is that mistakes are constructive, friendly feedback, and not character judgments. It’s important to teach your child that avoiding mistakes isn’t the key to success, but it’s actually being willing to learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.

Appreciate Them for Who They Are

Have conversations with your child about their innate strengths, such as their humor, sensitivity or kindness. Let them know that that you’re proud of them, and that they make you happy by simply being themselves.

Our expert hypnotist, Rekha Shrivastava, uses subconscious mind therapy to treat individuals who have ADHD. She also uses her hypnosis techniques to help alleviate depression and anxiety. Book a free consultation at our office in Pittsford. Rekha also offers Skype sessions for clients not residing in Rochester, NY.