ADHD and Big Emotions

ADHD and big emotions: This is a really important topic to understand. When big emotions are at play, parents might not understand they’re related to ADHD — and they may punish instead of getting help for their kids.

That’s what I did for years.

Emotions are not measurable, so that may be whey they don’t currently show up in the DSM diagnostic criteria for ADHD. But research shows that emotional dysregulation is a core symptom of ADHD.

It’s just that we don’t all know to look for it.

Kids with ADHD feel emotions just like any other kid, but the difference is in their INTENSITY AND FREQUENCY.

They might experience

:Intense frustration when things don’t go their way
Difficulty calming down when they’re upset
Feeling offended at even gentle criticism
Feeling an intense urge to have what they want RIGHT THIS SECOND
Difficulty getting started on something when they feel bored
Extreme meltdowns

Remember, every kid experiences these big emotions, but the difference in a kid with ADHD is in their intensity and frequency.

When my child had extreme meltdowns that wouldn’t end, I thought she was bad. I punished, and the punishments only made everything worse.

It wasn’t until I had another kid reach the same stages WITHOUT the same meltdowns that I realized I had been dealing with extreme behavior. At that point, I began researching.

If I could give any advice about kids with challenging issues, it would be to not wait to get help.

Big emotions are worth evaluating. And ADHD and big emotions are manageable when you know what you’re dealing with.

Maybe you simply need help changing a parenting technique, or maybe your child is actually dealing with a neurological disorder.

Research, seek out a therapist, talk to your kid’s doctor and teacher, and trust your gut. If things don’t feel right, figure out why.

If ADHD is at play, it’s a good-news diagnosis. It’s a very treatable condition, there is TONS of help for parenting, and ADHD comes with many strengths.

If you need help handling big emotions from your child — and yourself — check out my course: How to Stop Yelling.