The holiday season is often seen as a time for joy and connection, but for families navigating ADHD, it can bring unique challenges for both adults and children. From disrupted routines to heightened expectations, the holidays can feel more stressful than festive.

Ever heard this statement before? It’s one of the biggest myths about ADHD—and one of the most harmful.

This belief oversimplifies a complex neurodevelopmental condition and ignores the very real struggles faced by children and adults with ADHD.

Let’s break this down and talk about why ADHD is not an excuse, what’s really going, and how we can shift this damaging narrative.

Ever feel like you have to be a superhero, but you’re barely holding it together? As a mom raising a child with ADHD, the pressure can feel immense. You juggle advocating for your child at school, managing emotional outbursts, and keeping everything at home running smoothly—all while trying to maintain your own sanity.

Imagine feeling crushed by even the smallest criticism, as if it were a deeply personal attack. For individuals with ADHD, this can be an everyday experience, thanks to something many people are unfamiliar with: Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD).

One of the most common frustrations parents express about children with ADHD is the belief that “They can do it when they want to.”

For individuals with ADHD, certain tasks—especially those that are repetitive or require sustained focus—can feel insurmountable.

For individuals with ADHD, boredom isn’t simply uncomfortable—it can feel like a form of mental torture, often referred to as "boreture.

Supporting a child with ADHD through meltdowns can be deeply challenging and emotional.

Understanding "Bad Behavior" in Children with ADHD: It’s a Symptom, Not the Problem