Tired of asking your ADHD kid, “how was your day”, and getting the same one-word answer?
Most parents pick their kids up from school and ask them “how was your day?”, and kids will often give a one word answer. If you’re tired of hearing “fine” from your kids, think about these ways to ask questions and help them open up more.
Taking the time to ask good questions can open the door to meaningful connection with your child, which can be strained or complicated by attention defiicit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Below are some tips for how to ask your ADHD child about their day in a way that will encourage them to share more than just the basics.
Go beyond the basic questions:
- Try asking specific questions about different parts of their day, such as “what was the best part of your day?” or “what made you laugh today?”
- If your child is having trouble coming up with answers, you can prompt them by saying something like “I noticed you had a project due today in science, how did that go?”
- Encourage them to share both the good and the bad parts of their day, and let them know that it’s okay to tell you if something was tough for them.
- Make sure to really listen to their answers, and avoid getting distracted or interrupted. This can be a difficult task for parents of kids with ADHD, but it’s important to show your child that you’re interested in what they have to say.
Why meaningful conversation is important for every kid, but especially those with ADHD:
By taking the time to ask your ADHD child about their day in a more thoughtful way, you can encourage them to open up and share more than just the basics. This will help you feel closer to your child and better understand what’s going on in their life. It may take some extra effort, but it’s worth it to nurture your relationship with your child. Try out these tips and see how they work for you and your family.
The right sort of question— one that is asked at the appropriate moment and with the greatest intentions — can make children of all ages feel understood and valued, which has a significant role in their development and the overall family’s wellbeing. Using age-appropriate ADHD-friendly questions and pointers to start up a discussion and build meaningful, joyful ties within your family will pay dividends for years to come.
Want to learn more about how to start great conversations with your kids? Check out this free resource from ADDitude Magazine, Conversation Starters for Parents & Kids!
