How to Talk to Your Young Child About Having ADHD

If your child has recently been diagnosed with ADHD — or if you're just starting to notice the signs — you might be wondering how to explain it to them in a way they’ll understand.

The good news? You don’t have to be perfect or have all the answers. What matters most is connection, honesty, and helping your child feel safe and supported.

Here’s how to begin the conversation.

Why Should I Talk to My Child About ADHD?

Children are incredibly perceptive. Even before they have the language to describe it, they often feel that something is different. They may notice that they get in trouble more, or that things like sitting still or following directions feel harder than it does for others.

By talking openly about ADHD, you can help your child:

• Build confidence and self-understanding;

• Reduce confusion, shame, or blame;

• Strengthen your relationship through trust and empathy.

  
  

1. Use Simple, Supportive Language

Start with words your child can relate to. Avoid clinical or overly detailed explanations — instead, use analogies and affirming phrases like:

• “Your brain is like a race car — it moves really fast and has amazing ideas.”

• “Sometimes it’s hard for your brain to stop and focus, but that’s something we can work on together.”

• “Everybody’s brain works a little differently. Yours is full of energy and creativity.”

These small moments of understanding go a long way.

2. Celebrate Their Strengths

It’s so important that your child doesn’t only hear about ADHD as a problem or something “wrong.” Talk about what makes them unique, wonderful, and capable:

• “You notice little things that others might miss.”

• “You have the best ideas — and lots of them!”

• “Your energy and creativity are superpowers.”

Balancing honest conversations with strengths-based language builds resilience.

3. Be Honest About Challenges

You don’t need to hide the fact that some things are tricky. Instead, speak openly but gently:

• “Sometimes your brain finds it hard to stay still or listen for a long time.”

• “It’s not your fault. It’s just how your brain is wired.”

• “We’re learning together what helps you feel calm, focused, and confident.”

This honesty removes shame — and replaces it with trust.

4. Make It an Ongoing Conversation

Understanding ADHD is not a one-time talk — it’s a series of little check-ins, moments of connection, and shared learning. Some ideas:

• Read books together that explain ADHD in child-friendly ways

• Use drawing, storytelling or pretend play to explore emotions and brain differences

• Ask open-ended questions:“What does it feel like when your brain gets busy?”“What helped you feel calm today?”

You’ll be surprised what your child notices — and how empowered they feel by being part of the conversation.

5. You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

At Nurture and Build, we work with families to:

• Understand ADHD in the context of your child’s development

• Support emotional regulation and attention skills

• Create strategies that work in everyday life

• Build your confidence as your child’s strongest advocate

  
  

📩 Want help starting the conversation?We offer 1:1 support, strategy sessions, and early intervention tools designed for neurodivergent children under 7.