May is nationally recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. Near and dear to my heart, is ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Our son was diagnosed at a young age with ADHD. By nature, he is an intelligent, caring, outgoing, and social young man. His immediate loves are family, animals, working with wood, hunting, running, Rubik’s Cubes, and God. I know that he is built the way that God intended him to be.

What is ADHD

There are times when we all have difficulty sitting still, paying attention, or controlling impulsive behavior.

“Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 11 percent of school-age children. Symptoms continue into adulthood in more than three-quarters of cases. ADHD is characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. For some people, however, the problems are so pervasive and persistent that they interfere with every aspect of their life: home, academic, social, and work.” -Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)

As a parent of a child with ADHD, these are some lessons I have learned:

• ADHD is not universal and presents itself differently in each child.

• Setting, tracking, and achieving goals produces better outcomes than discipline.

• It’s been said that individuals with ADHD have “Brilliant minds of all kinds.” This is very true!

• Children with ADHD can learn at the same pace as their peers if they are put into a learning environment that is suitable for them.

• Find an “outlet” for your child to participate in that they really LOVE! This is where they will meet people they can build social bonds with.

This past weekend I visited the Pella Tulip Festival. On display, thousands upon thousands of unique and ornate tulips lined the streets. There were so many different tulip varieties in a variety of stages – some were in bloom, some already lost their petals, and some had yet to blossom. Our children are a lot like tulips. Some will grow and learn ahead of time, some right on schedule, and others a little behind. Every child has the potential to grow and learn.

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Carrie Kube is a Director for the Iowa River Valley Early Childhood Area Board.